
B()()k__ /fvS U 5 



PHKSKNTliU BY 



HOW 

NEWPOET'S NEWS ^ 



GOT ITS NAME. 



cm BONO? 



B. W. GREEN 



RICHMOND: 

WM. ELLIS JONES, BOOK AND JOB PRINTER. 
1907. 



'A5<i,8 



Gift 
Author 
(Perion) 

9 D '07 



How Newport's News Got Its Name 



I. CAPT. JOHN SMITH. WORKS. 

The successful settling of Virginia was a swarming that has filled 
the world with the English race and the English siaeech. It was a 
notable event; but writers of two hundred and fifty years later 
have called the principal actors in it liars and braggarts, and their 
deeds romances. 

"Virginia was first discovered in the yeere 1584, and Queen 
Elizabeth called it Virginia, and assigned the same unto Syr Walter 
Ealeigh, as being the chiefe discoverer thereof. And in the yeere 
1587 there were sent thither above an hundred men, women and 
children, and from that time untill the third yeere [1606] of King 
James, all yeerely sending thither for plantation ceased : and then 
iippon more exact discoveries, there were yeerely supplies of men, 
women and children, sent thither with all necessaries, under the 
conduct of Captaine Newport. 

"And about three years after this time, [1609] Captaine Samuell 
Argall, discovered a direct passage through the ocean to Virginia, 
and not to goe by the West India, as they did formerly."^ 

The first book used as a reference is Captain John Smith's 
Works; edited, and well done, by Edward Arber, and published at 
Birmingham, 10 June, 1884. This is the best history of Virginia 
for the time it covers, from 1605-1609, when Smith was actually 
in Virginia. Smith left Virginia the 4th of October, 1609; he 
continued to write about Virginia until 1630, and died in 1631. 
His name is spelt Smith, Smyth, Smythe; and in the genitive 
Smyths and Smythes. In a letter to Sir ffrancis Bacon, Baron of 
Verolam, in 1618, he signs his own name Jo Smith.^ 

Smith's first writing on Virginia was "A Trve Eelation of such 
Occurrences and Accidents of Note, as hath hapned at Virginia," 

^ Brown. Genesis of the U. S., p. 749. 
^ Smith. Works, Arber, p. CXXI. 



])ublished in London in 1608, and called "Newes from Virginia." 
Following the custom of writers of that time the word is spelt new, 
neive. and in the plural neivs, neivcs, and newse. And the place- 
name is spelt Nuports-neivesf 

"The 22 of November [1621] arrived Master Gookin out of 
Ireland with fifty men of his owne, and thirty Passengers, exceed- 
ingly well furnished with all sorts of provisions and cattle, and 
planted himself e at Xupor[t]s-newes."'* 

Captain Christopher Newport's name first appears in the "Orders 
for the First Expedition in 1606." Smith spells the name Newport 
and Nuport, using the genitives Newports, Newportes and Nuport, 
Nuports. The form Newport is used 143 times in the whole of 
Smith's AVork ; Nuport, 23 times. Newce is never used, and the 
name Newce is not in Smith's writings from 1606 to 1630. 

"In the County Nusiok vpon the great river Neus.""^ Showing 
that the river still called Neuse, had nothing to do with the sur- 
names Nuse, or Newse. 

Arber says : "Our American friends seem sometimes to fall 
into the error of considering any new-found manuscript as of 
greater authority than the old printed books."" 

To show how the word newes was in constant use by the writers 
of that time: "June 22, 1607, Captainc Newport returned for Eng- 
land with the newes."' This was after the landing at Jamestown 
on the 13th of May, 1607, of the first settlers. Sir Walter Eawley, 
as the name is pronounced in Virginia, is closely connected with 
the early settlement. The name comes from Ea-roe; leigh, a lea, or 
meadow; a place of shelter and pasturage for animals. 

"Musters of the Inhabitants in Virginia 1624-25. Inhabitants 
belonging to the Corporation of James City. Muster of Inhabi- 
tants att Mulbury Island taken the 25th of January 1624. New- 
portes newes. Mr. Danniell Gookines Muster. Servants 8. All 

"Smith. Works, Arber, p. 584. 

* Smith. Works, Arber, pp. 565, 584. 

■• Smith. Works, Arber, p. 309. 

'■•Smith. Works, Aiber. Introduction, p. CXVIII. 

' Smith. Works, Arber, p. 93, p. 389. 



Veil came in llu' Flyinge Harte : 1621. 12 in the Prouidence 
1623.'" 

Elizabeth City. Mr. Daniell Cookin his Muster. 4 men. The 
Corporation of James City included Elizabeth City, and extended 
to the Chesapeake Bay." 

"Patents granted. The Corporation of Elizabeth Cittie. ISTew- 
ports Newes. 1300 planted.'" 

"1620. Captaine Nuce, [Thomas] added to the Councell.'"^ 

"1622. Captaine Xuse, [Thomas] at Elizabeths city, where he 
had 600 acres of land.'"' 

"1622. Captaine Nuse, . . . but newly acquainted with the 
Massacre, caHing all his next adioyning dispersed neighbours 
together, he regarded not the pestering his owne house, nor any 
thing to relieve them, and with all speed entrenched himselfe, 
mounted three peeces of ordnance, so that within 14 dales, he was 
strong enough to defend himselfe from all the Saluages.'^ 

This shows that Thomas iSTuse did not live at Newportes-newes, 
where there does not seem that any was killed in the great Massacre 
of March 22, 1622, when there were 349 of the settlers killed ; 73 
at Martin's Hundred, about seven miles from Jamestown. 

"Captaine jSTuse whose fields being near the Fort [at Kecough-I 
tan] were better regarded and preserved than the rest."" [1622.] 

Captain Christopher Newport (born ? 1565, died 1617)* was 
one of the most important men connected with the permanent set- 
tling of Virginia. He was an experienced seaman, and was put in 
"chief command and control'' of the small squadron of three vessels, 
one of twenty tons, called the Discovery; one of forty tons, called 
the Good Speed. This name is also given as God s])eed, but that is 
only the old English form of god, and gode, for the present form, 



^"Hotten. List of Emigrants, p. 243. 
"Hotten. List of Emigrants, p. 254. 
" Hotten. List of Emigrants, p. 273. 
"Smith. Works, Arber, p. 561. 
"Smith. Works, Arber, p. 586. 
^•■' Smith. Works, Arber, p. 593. 
" Smith. Works, Arber, p. 595. 
* Purchas His Pilgrimes, Vol. V, p. 115. 



good. The tliird vessel, of one hundred tons, was the Susan Con- 
stant, sometimes called the Sarah Constant/" 

On the 19th of December, 1606, these three ships set sail down 
the Thames for Virginia. The}^ followed the old route by the 
Azores, and reached the West Indies towards the spring. They 
entered the Chesapeake Bay on the 36th of April, 1607. They 
named the point of land on the south side of the entrance of Chesa- 
peake Bay Cape Henry, in honour of the Prince of Wales, the eldest 
son of King James I., and the opposite point Cape Charles, after 
the King's second son, then Duke of York, and afterwards King 
Charles I. The squadron sailed up the Powhatan Eiver, changed 
to James in honour of the King of England. They found the 
weather mild and calm, after their stormy passage, and called the 
place where they anchored Point Comfort. They sailed on up the 
river, at the mouth of which they found another point, which they 
named Poynt hope, as may be seen on the map in Smith's Work: 
"Virginia. Discovered and Discribed by Captayn John Smith 1606. 
Graven by William Hole." Alexander Brown said that Smith 
could not make a map. But Hotchkiss^" (Major Jed), of Staunton, 
said: "Smith's Map — a marvel of results in representation of out- 
line compared with the time occupied in procuring information. 
The same region is shown on the small map I send you, from the 
actual surveys of a century (1774-187-1), yet Smith had all the 
important features of our wonderfully developed coast well shewn." 
This name is misspelt by the engraver of the map in the Richmond, 
1819, edition of Captain Smith's Works. It is called on that map 
Pernt hope. When the difference in the two names on the two 
maps vas pointed out to one who said: "Why, I wrote an essay 
once to show that Pernt hope was of Welsh derivation." Such is 
popular etymology, and popular history making! "Many place- 
names have been shamefully tampered with and altered by 'learned' 
men is only too painfully certain."" 

"Some be so new-fangled, that they would innovate all things, 
and so despise the old, that nothing can like them, but that is new." 

^ Brown. Genesis of the United States, p. 76. 

"Smith. Works, Arber, p. CXIX. 

"W. Vv^ Skeat. Place-Names of Hertfordshire, Hertford, 1904, p. 63. 



The ships went on up to James Town, discharged their passen- 
gers and supplies. Newport sailed for England on the 22d of 
June, 1607. Arrived at James Town with the First Supply Janu- 
ary 8, 1608. 

"It seems likely that the point at the upper end of the Eoads re- 
ceived its name of Newport News from the gallant captain. On 
several old maps I have found it spelled Newport Ness," which is 
equivalent to Point Newport." 

It is called Newport's News Point. But who ever heard it called 
Point News ?' 

Newport's News was the name always used by Captain James 
Barron, United States Navy, who lived in Hampton, and may be 
supposed to be familiar with the spelling and pronunciation of 
the word."" 

"Farther on is the city of Newport News, named in honour of 
Captain Newport, who brought the news — and we think it ought 
to be 'Newport's News' instead of 'Newport News.' It was named 
in honor of Captain Newport who brought the news of succour 
and relief for the perishing, suffering colony at Jamestown."'^ 

Newport at Mulberry Island on his way to abandon Jamestown 
received news of the arrival of Lord Dela Warr with supplies and 
150 men. 

A monument marking the site of the old Colonial Palace, and 
erected by Mrs. I^ictitia Tyler Semple, of Washington, to the College 
of William and Mary and the citizens of Williamsburg, has carved 
on one side, . . . "and called the place Newport New^s, to com- 
memorate the good news brought by Captain Newport." This is 
the tradition that has held on the lower peninsula for near 300 
years. The legend or tradition of the naming of Newport's News 
has the support of reasonable probability. 

The name Newport's News is a shibboleth, or test-word. No 

"Ness is an old English word; usually a promonotory; high cape. 
Newport's News is a low, sandy point extending into James River. 

^^ John Fiske. Old Virginia and Her Neighbors, Vol. I, p. 92. 

-"Maxwell. Virginia Historical Register, Vol. Ill, October, 1850. 
Richmond, pp. 199, 200, 201. 

-^ John Goode. Recollections of a Lifetime, p. 233. 



natural-born citizen with a Virginia tongue in his mouth ever said 
noo for new, nor noose for news. It has been only after a long 
course of bad example and corruption, showing how prone people 
are to be led astray, and how evil communications corrupt good 
manners, that some have come to say n-o-o-p-o-a-r-t-n-o-o-s-e. 

New and News were words very much in use at that time, as is 
well known to readers of Elizabethan literature. It is in constant 
use in Hakluyt's Voyages, and Purchas His Pilgrimes, in the old 
English form newe, the adjective, and newe, newes as the noun, 
where the Avord news is now used. 

[ ?] "October 29, 1597, Sir Walter Ealegh, Lord Thomas How- 
ard, and the Lord Montjoy wrote to Essex: 'Wee have this Sater- 
day night receved the cumfortabell newse of George Summers' 
arivall, whose letter we have here withall sent your Lordship."'^ 
Somers died November 9, 1610. 

iVews-Letters, in manuscript, were the first means used for send- 
ing about the news; these were followed by news])a])ers when 
printing came into use. The word neivs being in common connec- 
tion with the names of newspapers, as: Morning News, Evening 
News. Verses "Newes from Hell."" "Monardes's 'Joyful Newes 
out of the New-Founde Worlde.' Englished by John Frampton, 
Merchant. London. 1596." "News from Virginia of the Happy 
Arrivall of that Famous and Worthy Knight Sir Thomas Gates, 
and well reputed and Valiant Captaine Newport into England. By 
E. Eich, soldier."" 

"Newes from Virginia," a poem. 1610. "Good Newes from Vir- 
ginia, by Whitaker: London. 1613."^ "Strange News from Vir- 
ginia." "Newes of Sir Walter Eawleigh. With the True Descrip- 
tion of Gviana. Printed in London. 1618." 

16 Nov. 1626 : "Land belonging to the lordships of the said 

=" Brown. Genesis of the United States, p. 1018. 
" Historical MSS. Com., 12th Rep., 9th Part, p. 161. 
=^*Lefroy. Memorials of Bermuda. London. 1879. Vol. II., p. 574. 
^Records of the Virginia Company of London. Washington, D. C, 
1906. Vol. I, p. 32. 



9 

Daniel Gooking situate above Newport Newes at the place called 
Mary's Mount."'' 

"^On the first of February, 1630, a deed was made from 'Daniel 
Gooking of New])ort ISTewes in Virginia, Gent, to Thomas Addison 
late servant to the said Daniel his father.' "'^"^ 

"Daniel Gookin, soldier, born in Kent, England, about 1612, 
He came with his father to Virginia in 1631. During the Indian 
massacre in 1622, Gookin [the elder Daniel] with thirty-five men, 
held his plantation, at what is now iSTewport News, against the 
savages. [It does not appear that any one was killed at Newport's 
News in the Massacre of 1622.] In May, 1644, in consequence of 
his doctrinal sympathies with the Puritans, he removed to Cam- 
bridge, Massachusetts."'* 

Daniel Coogan [Gookin] and Mr. John Carter were. Burgesses 
from Upper Norfolk in 1641.'*'' 

There does not appear to be any record in Virginia of the patent 
for land given to John Newport by order of the Council in London. 

The name Newportes-newes ma;y be alliterative, as was the fash- 
ion of the time — as "Beggar's Bush," "Cawsey's Care," "Chaplin's 
Choice," "Jordan's Journey," "Pace's Pains," "Pamaunke Pal- 
lace," "Profit's Pool." "Arahatee's ioye" was another of the double 
names. Bandon, with which the name of William Newce is asso- 
ciated, is "an inland town and parliamentary borough of Ireland, 
in the county of Cork, and twenty miles by rail from the county 
town, is situated on both sides of the Eiver Bandon, which is here 
crossed by a bridge of six arches. Its manufactures of woollen and 
cotton goods have much declined. Population in 1871, 6,131.^ 

Kinsale, a parliamentary borough and seaport town of Ireland, 

2« There were two Burgesses in the Grand Assembly, in 1632, "ffrom 
Waters Creeke to Marie's Mount." So it seems that "Marie's mount" 
was between Newport's News and "Waters Creeke." There is a place 
still called "Merry Point," another form of which is Mary Point, about 
a mile below Blunt Point towards Waj^ts's Creek. 

27.8 yji-g jjigt Mag., Vol. xiv, No. 3, Jan., 1907, p. 262. 

» Diet. Nat. Biog., Vol. xxii, p. 153. 

=^ Colonial Register of Virginia, p. 61. 

^^Encyclopaedia Britannica, Vol. Ill, p. 311. 



10 

in the county of Cork, is situated on the estuary of the Bandon, 
twenty-four miles south from Cork by rail. 

"Too's Point," at the south side of the mouth of York Eiver, 
may have been named after Mary Tue, who sold 150 acres of land 
at Newport's News to Daniel Gookin. 



11 



II. DICTIONARY OF NATIONAL BIOGRAPHY. 

Christopher jSTewport sailed from London in January, lo91-'93 
as captain of the Goklen Dragon, with three other ships under his 
command, for an expedition to the West Indies. On the coast of 
Hispaniohi [Espanola, now Haiti], of Cuba, of Honduras, and of 
Florida they sacked four Spanish towns and captured or destroyed 
twenty Spanish vessels, and returning home, met at Flores with Sir 
John Burgh, and joined him in his attack on the Madre de Dios on 
3 August. Newport was afterwards put in command of the prize 
which he brought to Dartmouth on 7 Sept., 1592. 

In December, 1606, N'ewport was appointed to "the sole charge 
and command" of the expedition to Virginia "until such time as 
they shall fortxme to land upon the coast of Virginia." He re- 
turned to England in July, 1607, and in October again sailed fo? 
Virginia, returning in May, 160S. A third voyage followed; and 
in a fourth, sailing from Plymouth on 2 June, 1609, in company 
Avith Sir Ceorge Somers, in the Sea Venture, the ship, after being 
buffetted by a violent storm, was cast ashore on some islands which 
they identified with those discovered by the Spanish captain Ber- 
mudez nearly a hundred years before. . . . After some stay they 
built a [2] pinnace and went on to Virginia, where they arrived 
in May, 1610, and in September Newport returned to England. In 
1611 Newport made a fifth voyage to Virginia. Toward the end 
of 1612 Newport entered the service of the East India Company as 
captain of the Expedition, a ship of 260 tons, which sailed on 7 
Jan., 1612-'13, carrying out Sir Robert Shirley as Ambassador to 
Persia. Touching in Table Bay in May, he landed Shirley near the 
mouth of the Indus on 26 Sept., went on to Bantam, where he 
obtained a full cargo without delay, and arrived in the Downs on 
10 July, 1614. For the quickness with which he had made the 
voyage and his successful trade he was highly commended by the 
company, and was awarded a gratuity of fifty jacobuses [fifty 
pounds]. On 4 Nov. the governors stated that Newport refused 
to go for less than 240/ a year, whereon they resolved to rest awhile, 
and to advise and bethink himself for some short time. After 



13 

some delay a compromise was made for 15/ a month, and on 24 
Jan., 1614-15, Newport sailed in command of the Lion. He again 
made a successful vo3^age, returning to England in September, 
1616. Two months later he sailed, as captain of the Hope, on a 
third voyage to the East Indies. The Hope arrived at Bantam on 
15 Aug., 1617, and a few days afterwards Newport died. By his 
will (in Somerset House, Mead, 92), dated 16 Nov., 1616, "being 
to go with the wind and weather, captain of the Hope, to sail into 
the East Indies, a long and dangerous voyage," he left his dwelling- 
house on Tower Hill, with garden adjoining, and the bulk of his 
property, to his wife, Elizabeth, and after her death to his two 
sons, John and Christopher, and his daughter, Elizabeth. To this 
daughter he also left 400Z to be paid to her on her marriage, or at 
the age of twentj'^-one. To his daughter Jane he left 5/. . . . His 
son Christopher, being master's mate on board the Hope, made his 
will (Meade, 85) in Table Bay on 27 April, 161S, being then sick 
of bodv, but in good and perfect memory. His l:)rother John and 
sister Elizabeth are named as executors and residuary legatees. To 
his sister Jane be left 10/. . . . He died shortly afterwards, and 
the will was proved on 22 Sept., 1618.'' 

=^Dict. Nat. Bicg., Vol. XL, p. 356. 



13 



III. STITH. ' HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 

"Chesapeake, in the Indian language, means The Mother of 
Waters. In an old Spanish map it is called Madre de Aguas." 

"The first or Southern Colon}'^ . . . provided two Ships and a 
small bark, they committed the Transportation of the Colony to 
Captain Christopher Newport, who was esteemed a Mariner of 
x4.bility and Experience on the American Coasts. For he had four- 
teen years before. Anno 1592, with Eeputation and Honour, con- 
ducted an Expedition against the Spaniards in the West-Indies; 
where with three Ships and a small Bark, he took several prizes." 
. . . Arrival on the Coast of Virginia, and not before, open and 
unseal, and publish the Names of the Persons, therein set down, 
who should be declared and taken to be his Majesty's Council for 
the Colony. . . . And finally, Captain Newport was commended, 
with such a Number of Men, as should be assigned him by the 
President and Council, to bestow two Months in the Search and 
Discovery of the Eivers and Ports of the Country, and to give 
present Order for the lading of the two Ships (the Bark being 
designed to remain in the Country) with such principal Com- 
modities and Merchandise as could there be had and iound, and 
to return with the said Ships, full laden, bringing a particular 
account of every thing, by the last of May following, if God per- 
mit." 

. . . They set sail from Blackwall the 19th of December, 1606. 
The 26th of April, 1607, they made a Coast. The night of their 
arrival the Box was opened, and the Orders for Government read. 
In them Edward-Maria Wingfield, Bartholomew Gosnold, John 
Smith, Christopher Newport, John EatclifFe, John IMartin, and 
John Kendall were appointed the Council.^^ 

They were employed till the 13th of May in seeking a place for 

^ The History of the First Discovery and Settlement of Virginia. By 
William Stith, A. M., Williamsburg, 1747, p. 13. 

3*Stith. Hist, of Virg., p. 42-43. 

"^ Stith. Hist, of Virg., p. 45. Shows how important a person New- 
port was. 



14 

their Settlement ; and then they resolved on a Peninsula, on the 
North Side of the Eiver Powhatan, ahout forty Miles from the 
Mouth. . . . Altho' Captain Newport was named of the Council, 
yet was he only hired for their Transportation, and was to return 
with the Ships. . . . The 15th of June, [1607] the Indians sued 
for Peace, and Captain Newport set sail for England, leaving an 
hundred behind him in Virginia.*' 

. . . The Treasurer and Council in England sent two Ships the 
latter end of this Year, with a supply of Provisions, and a hun- 
dred and twenty Men. . . . One of these Ships was commanded 
by Captain Newport, and the other by Captain Francis Nelson, 
an honest Man and expert Mariner.'" 

. . . And now being the Time for gathering corn, and Plenty 
among the Indians, the Boats were trimmed for Trade, and sent 
out under the Command of Lieutenant Percy. But in their Way, 
meeting Captain Newport with the second Supply, he brought 
them back to James-Town. Captain Newport was in reality an 
empty, idle, interested man ; very fearful and suspicious in Times 
of Danger and Difficulty ; but a very great and important Person 
in his own Talk and Conceit. He had, by the Advantage of going 
to and fro, gained so much upon the Ear and Confidence of the 
Council and Company in England, that whatever he proposed, was, 
for the most part, concluded and resolved on. And upon this 
Voyage, he obtained a private Commission, not to return without 
a Lump of Gold; a Certainty of the South Sea, or one of the lost 
Company, sent out by Sir Walter Raleigh.^* 

Newport left James-Town for England the latter part of 1608. 
[10 September, 1608.]'" 

... 23 of May, 1609, a new Charter was granted. By this 
Charter the Power and Authorit}? of the President and Council in 
Virginia were expressly abrogated; and they were streightly com- 
manded, upon their Allegiance, to pay Obedience to such Governor 
or Governors, as should be appointed by the Council in England. 
In consequence of which Power, the Council constituted Sir Thomas 
West, Lord Delawarr, Captain-Gensral of Virginia; Sir Thomas 

««Stith, p. 47. '"Stith, p. 57. 

«* Stith, pp. 7G, 77. ™ Stith, p. 83. 



15 

Gates, his Lieutenant-General ; Sir George Somers, Admiral; Cap- 
tain Newport, Vice-Admiral ; Sir Thomas Dale, High-Marshall; 
Sir Ferdinando Wainman, General of the Horse; and so, many- 
other Offices, to several worthy Gentlemen for their Lives. ... So 
many Persons of great Power, Interest, and Fortune, engaging 
in the Enterprise, and the Lord Delawarr, with other Gentlemen 
of Distinction, appointed to the several Offices, soon drew in such 
large Sums of Money, that they dispatched away Sir Thomas 
Gates, Sir George Somers, and Captain Xewport, with nine Ships, 
and five hundred People. These three Gentlemen had, each of 
them, a Commission, who first arrived, is to call in the old. . . . 
It was concluded, that they should all go in one Ship, called the 
Sea-Venture. They sailed from England the latter End of May, 
1609 ; but the 25th of July, the Admiral-Ship was parted from the 
rest of the Fleet . . . having on board the three Commanders, an 
hundred and Fifty Men, their new Commission, and Bills of Lad- 
ing, together with all Manner of Instructions and Directions, and 
the best Part of their Provisions. She arrived not, but was found- 
ered on Bermudas. ... A small Catch likewise perished in the 
Hurricane ; but the seven other Ships came safe. In them as Cap- 
tains, came Eatcliffe (whose right Name, as is said was, Sickle- 
more) Martin, and Archer, with Captain Wood, Captain Webb, 
Captain Moon, Captain King, Captain Davies, Mr. Ealph Hamer, 
and divers other Gentlemen, of good Fortune, and eminent Birth. 
The President, [Captain John Smith] being informed by his 
Scouts of the Arrival of this Fleet, little dreamed of such a Supply, 
but supposed them at first to be Spaniards. He therefore put him- 
self into the best Posture of Defence he could.*" 

. . . And thus, about Michalemas [29th of September], 1609, 
Captain Smith left the Country, never again to see it.*^ 

... So extreme was the Famine and Distress of the Times that 
it was, for many Years after, distinguished and remembered by 
the Name of the Starving Time. ... In this calamitous State, did 

*" Stith, pp. 101, 102. 

" Stith, p. 107. Capt. Smith left 4 Oct., 1609. Smith. Works, Arber, 
p. 167. 



16 

Sir Thomas Gates and Sir George Somers find the Colony, at their 
Arrival, on the 24th of May [1610].'^ 

These two noble Knights, being ntter Strangers to their Affairs, 
could understand nothing of the Cause and Eeason of these 
Miseries, but by Conjecture from Clamours and Complaints, either 
accusing or excusing one another. They therefore embarked them 

all, in the best manner, they could, and set sail for England 

Having fallen down to Hog-Island, and thence to Mulberry-Island, 
they descried the Long-boat of Lord Delawarr; who being then 
Captain-General of Virginia, a Title ever after given to our Gov- 
ernors in Chief, came up with three Ships, exceedingly well fur- 
nished with all Necessaries, and returned them back to James- 
Town. His Lordship arrived the 9th of June [1610]. *" 

... In the mean-while, the Lord Delawarr, in Virginia, built 
two Forts at Kiquotan; and called one Fort Henry, the other Fort 
Charles. They stood on a pleasant Plain, near a little Eiver, which 
they called Southampton Eiver, in a wholesome Air, having plenty 
of Springs, and commanding a large circuit of Ground." 

. . . Smith's Hundred : . . . This lay in the parts above Hamp- 
ton, and up into Warwick, and was so called in honour of Sir 
Thomas Smith.'= 

. . . [1620]. And upon Sir George Yeardley's Eepresentation 
of the Want of more Counsellors, the Company appointed the fol- 
lowing Gentlemen to be of the Council : ]\Ir. George Thorpe, 
Deputy for the College; Mr. Thomas Newee, [this is the first time, 
1620, that the name Newce appears in Stith], who had also been 
sent over Deputy for the Company's Lands, with the Allowance 
of twelve hundred Acres, [six hundred acres of this land was located 
at Kicoughtan, where Thomas Newce lived,] and forty Tenants; 
Mr. Tracy, Mr. Pountis, Mr. Middleton, :Mr. Bluet, and :Mr. Har- 
wood, the Chief of Martin's Hundred.'" 

*- This is the incident usually said to have given rise to the term 
Nev/portes Newes. Newport being in command of the two pinnaces 
built in Bermuda, and named Patience and Deliverance. 

*' Stith, p. 117. « Stith, p. 120. 

*= Stith, p. 172. ■^ Stith, p. 182. 



17 

[1621.] Captain William Newce offered to transport and settle 
a thousand Persons in Virginia, by Midsummer, 1625; and de- 
sired to be appointed their General, and to have a Patent, with 
that Proportion of Land, and such other Privileges, as were usually 
granted on the like Occasion/' A Patent was readily granted, in 
the largest and most ample Manner. But as to the Title of Gen- 
eral, they refused to grant it him ; because it was a Power, properly 
belonging to the Governor only. Besides, it gave such an Inde- 
pendency, as was distructive of all Order and good Government; 
and had therefore been loudly cried out against, in Captain Mar- 
tin's extravagant Patent, and in a Grant surreptitiously and illeg- 
ally obtained by Captain Argall, and therefore expressly stopped, 
by the Company's Orders to the Governor of Virginia. But Cap- 
tain Newce farther requested, in order to enable him the better 
to go through the Charge of so great an Undertaking, to be "ap- 
pointed Marshal of Virginia; for which Post he was eminently 
qualified, having ever been exercised in military Affairs and Arms, 
and of noted Experience and Skill in Martial Discipline; as ap- 
peared by his many services in Ireland, . . . He was therefore 
constituted Marshal of Virginia; to take into his Charge, as well 
the Fortifications, Arms, and Forces of the Colony, as to cause the 
People, to be duly trained up in Military Discipline, and to the 
Use and Exercise of Arms. And they annexed fifteen hundred 
Acres of Land and fifty Tenants to the Place, to be transported 
and furnished by himself, at eight Pounds Charge to the Company 
a Man. And the King [James I] also, being highly pleased at 
the Nomination of this Gentleman, conferred the Honour of 
Knighthood upon him; calling him his Knight-Marshal of Vir- 
ginia, and expressing great Hopes from the Management of a 
Person of his acknowledged Capacity and Skill. However, he did 
not long survive his Arrival in Virginia; but died, two Days after 
the reading his Patent and Commission.^ 

On the 18th of November [1621] Sir Francis Wyat entered 
upon his Government.*" 

^'Records Virginia Company of London. 2 Vols. "Washington, D. C, 
1906. Vol. I., p. 446. 

^ Stith, p. 189. « Stith, p. 204. 



18 

Mr. Gookin too, who was under Contract with the Company for 
Cattle, arrived with them out of Ireland, on the 22d of November 
[1621] ; and he brought with him fifty men of his own, and thirty 
Passengers, exceedingly well furnished with all Kinds of Pro- 
vision, and seated himself at jSTewport's News."" 

[Sir William Newce arrived in Virginia with Sir Francis Wyat 
early in October, 1G21, and died about two months after. Neither 
Thomas Newce's nor William Newce's name appears on Hotten's 
Lists of Emigrants from IGOO to 1700. George Nuce was living at 
Elizabeth C!ittye Fcl)ruary 16, 1623. That was after Thomas 
Newce's death, about the 1st of April, 1623.] 

[1622] After the Massacre of March 22, 1622. . . . Many 
plantations were quitted by Authority; and all the People were 
drawn together to Shirley Hundred, Flower-de-Hundred, James- 
Town, with Paspahey and the Plantations right opposite, Kicough- 
tan, and Southampton ELundred; to which were added, by the 
Obstinancy and Eesolution of their Ownei-s, Mr. Samuel Jordan's 
Plantation, now called Jordan's Point, and Newport's-News. . . . 
But Mr. Gookin, at Newport's-News, refused to obey the Orders 
of Government, and draw off his People; and having got together 
thirty five of all Sorts, he secured his Plantation, and defended 
himself and Company against all Assaults and Incursions.^^ 

Captain Thomas Newce, Deputy and Superintendant of the 
Company's Lands, foreseeing the Difficulties and Famine, that 
must necessarily ensue, caused as much Corn as possible, to be 
planted at Elizabeth-City, where he commanded; whilst others de- 
stroyed even that, which had been before planted, fearing it 
might be of service to the Indians, and trusted wholly to Eelief 
by Trade or from England, which had ever been one of the principal 
Causes of their Miseries . . . Captain Newce [Thomas] called all 
his next Neighbours to his House, and omitted nothing, to relieve 
their Wants and Necessities. He likewise, with all Speed, en- 
trenched himself; mounted three Pieces of Ordinance; sunk a 
well of fresh Water; and soon put himself into a Posture of De- 
fence, above the Fear of any Danger or Assault from the Enemy. 

" Stith, p. 205. ^ Stith, p. 235. 



19 

In all these Works, he acted the part of a Sawyer, a Carpenter, 
or a Labourer; till he brought upon himself many Sicknesses, 
and at last a Dropsy, to the great Grief of his Family, and of all 
under his Government. The latter End of June [1622] Sir George 
Yeardley, in his Way to Accomack, staid three or four Days with 
Captain jSTewce [Thomas], being accompanied by the Council, and 
many other gay Gentlemen. The Captain, being oppressed with 
so large a Company, complained, to one of the chief among them, 
of the Want of Provisions.". . . Captain Newce [Thomas] was 
certainly a Man of Great Goodness and Merit. As long as he had 
any thing, his Company shared it equally with him; and when all 
was spent, being obliged to live on Crabs and Oysters, they fell 
into a very weak and feeble Condition. Yet Captain Kewce 
[Thomas] distributed among them, as he saw Occasion, a little 
Milk and Rice, which he still had left; and behaved himself, in all 
things, with such a fatherly Tenderness and Care, that he ob- 
tained a Reputation, of being the Commander, throughout the 
whole Country, that took the most continual Pains for the Pub- 
lick, and did the least Good for himself, of all others. On the 9th 
of September [1622] his Men were attacked at their Labours, by 
the Indians, which was the first Assault they made since the 
Massacre, and four were slain. The Captain, altho' extremely sick, 
rallied forth to engage them; but they hiding themselves in the 
Corn and other lurking Places, escaped his Vengeance. Soon 
after [9th September, 1622] this worthy Gentleman died; and the 
Company, in Consideration of his, as well of her own Merit, 
granted his Widow a Moiety of the Labours of the Tenants, due 
to his Place, till another Person should be appointed to succeed 
him. And afterwards,°^ in a letter to the Governor and Council, 
they order her the whole Profits of their Labours for the following 
Year, with no small Commendation of his Virtue and Desert.°* 

. . . This Fall, some English near ISTewport's News, were sur- 
prised in so great a Storm, that altho' the Men saved their Lives, 

^^ Stith, p. 236. [An early case of the Virginia custom of entertaining 
all the world.] 

^August 6, 1623. Records of the Virginia Company, Vol. ii, p. 466. 
"Stith, p. 237. 



20 

the Boat was lost, which was cast by the Winds and Waves, upon 
the Shore of Nansamond.'^' 

Stith. History of Virginia : "This is, and always will be, one of 
the standard books on the early Virginia history. Many of the 
valuable historical documents from which this work was compiled 
have since been destroyed by fire. The author had access to the 
archives of the Colony, to the papers of Sir John Randolph, to the 
Byrd Library, to the Records of the London Company, etc." Book 
Catalogue. 

[1624] Their Answer to Captain Butler's Information ran in 

the following manner. . . . Fortifications, &c The same 

Envy would not let him see the three Pieces at ISTewport's-lSrews, 
and those two at Elizabeth-City. Stith, p. 310. 

In the whole of Stith's History of Virginia the word is always 
spelled Newport's News; and the words Newport Newce, or New- 
port's Newce are never used. 

^'^ Stith, p. 241.. 



21 



IV. BEVERLEY— HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 

[9th of June, 1610]. "Sir Thomas Gates, Sir George Summers, 
and Capt. Newport, the Governor, . . . spied a Long-Boat, which 
the Lord Delawar (who had just arrived with three Ships) had 
sent before him up the Eiver sounding the Channel.'"" 

"It was October, 1621, that Sir Francis Wyat arrived Governor, 
and in November Captain Newporf^^ arrived with fifty Men im- 
ported at his own charge, besides Passengers; and made a Plan- 
tation on NeAivport's News, naming it after himself"^* 



V. OLDMIXON, JOHN. 

"Sir George Yardley was succeeded in the Government by Sir 
Francis Wyat, a young Man, who arrived in October, 1621; and 
this year more men settled there. ... In November Capt. New- 
port arrived with 50 Men on his own Account, and settled a Plan- 
tation at the Place, which from his name is call'd Newport's 
News."^ 

^ The History of Virginia. Robert Beverlej^ London, 1722, pp. 23, 24. 

" This was John Newport, his father. Captain Christopher Newport, 
had died at Bantam, on the island of Java, August, 1617. 

'-^ History of Virginia, Robert Beverley, p. 37. 

"* Oldmixon. The British Empire in America. London, 1741, Vol. I, 
p. 370. 



23 



VI. KEITH. HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 

"About this time the three Governors, who had been wreck'd 
on the Island of Bermudas, put to Sea, with one hundred and 
fifty Passengers, on Board the two small vessels they had built 
there; and in fourteen Days, viz: on the 25th of May, 1610, they 
arrived in Virginia, and went up directly to James To'wn, where 
they found that small Remainder of the Colony in the above miser- 
able Condition. The three Commanders, Sir Thomas Gates, ^Sir 
George Summers and Captain Newport, were extremely moved with 
Compassion, at so pitiful a Sight; and having called a Council, 
they informed the People, That they had only sixteen Days Pro- 
vision remaining on Board their Vessels, and therefore desired them 
to take it into Consideration, whether they would venture to sea 
with so small a stock, or chuse to continue at James Town; in 
which last Case it should be equally divided among all the Com- 
pany: But they soon determined to go for England; and because 
Provision was so short, they proposed to go by the Banks of New- 
foundland, in Hopes to meet with some Recruit among the Fisher- 
men at this Season of the Year. In Pursuance of this Resolu- 
tion, they all went on Board these two small Ships, falling down 
to Hog-Island on the 6th of June at Night; and the next Morn- 
ing to Mulberry-Point, which is ten jMiles below James Town, and 
Thirty from the Mouth of the River. Here they spied a Long-boat, 
which the Lord De la Warr (who had just arrived with three 
Ships) had sent before him to sound the Channel.^ . . . His Lord- 
ship being sole and chief Governor, he was accompanied with a 
good many Gentlemen of Distinction; and having brought also a 
large Stock of Provisions, and other Necessaries, he made them all 
return to James Town, where he resettled the Colon}'^ with great 
Satisfaction and Content.'"" . . . "In the Year 1621, Sir Francis 
Wyat, a young Gentleman, was appointed Governor of Virginia. 

""The History of the British Plantations in America. Part I. Vir- 
ginia. By Sir William Keith, Bart. London, 173S, pp. 122-123. 



23 

... In ISTovember Captain Newport"^ arrived with fifty Men, whom 
he had imported at his own Expence, besides Passengers ; and with 
those he made a famous Plantation for himself, at a Place which 
he called by the jSTame of Newport's News.'""' . . . [after 1632, the 
year of the Massacre] Many of them gave out, and sold their 
Shares to others, who having their own private Gain more in view 
than any regular Settlement of the Colony, several Gentlemen went 
over, and carried Stock and Servants along with them, separate 
from those of the Company; each designing to take up Land for 
himself, as Captain Newport had done.""* 

*^ This must have been John Nev/port, as his father, Captain Chris- 
topher Newport, had died in the East Indies in 1G17. 
""Keith. History of Virginia, p. 135. 
«= Keith. Hist, of Virginia, p. 140. 



24 



Vn. CALENDAR STATE PAPERS— COLONIAL SER., 1574- 
1660— LONDON, 1860. 

"Aug. 18, 1607, London. Arrival of Captain Newport from 
Virginia, he having left the adventurers in an island in the midst 
of a great river 120 miles in the land.'"" July, 1610. Thos. Lord 
De. la Warr to Salisbur3^ From Virginia. "Has met with very 
much comfort yet mingled with as many lamentable accidents 
since his departure. Leave the relation of them to the bearer. Sir 
Thomas Cjates, who was "the first that found our men in misery.'' 
On the 1st April [1608] three good ships and 150 persons left 
Cowes to lands as planters in Virginia. Account of their voy- 
ages, beset with hard weather and contrary winds, two of the ships 
lost their anchors. Arrived at Cape Henry on 5th June, in com- 
pany with the Blessing, wherein was Sir Ferdinando Wenman. 
Met the next day with his own consort, which had been missing- 
eight weeks, and came to an anchor under Cape Comfort, where 
I met with much cold comfort, as if I had not been accompanied with 
the most happy news of Sir Thos. Gates's arrival would have been 
sufficient to break his heart. [Note. Sir George Somers, Sir 
Thomas Gates, with Captain Christopher Newport had reached 
Virginia after their shipwreck at Bermuda.] Sir Thomas Gates, 
despairing of any supplies, had shipped the whole company and 
colony in two small pinnaces, for England, having but thirty days' 
victuals for his hungry company. Sent to give Gates notice of his 
arrival, and on 10 June landed at James Town." Endorsed, Eec. 
in Sept., 1610."' . . ." 1611. Dec. 18, London. 

John Chamberlain to Sir Dudley Carlton, Newport, the Admiral 
of Virginia, newly come home, bringing word of the arrival there 
of Sir Thos. Gates and his company.^ . . ." 1623. Jan. 24, James 
City, Virginia. Geo. Harrison to his brother John Harrison. . . . 
Not above ten men and boys living, of the whole number of ser- 

" Cal. St. Papers Colon. Ser., 1574-1660, Lond., 1860, p. 7. 
•5 Cal. Stat. Papers, Col. Ser., Vol. I, p. 10. 
•« Cal. Stat. Papers. Col. Ser., Vol. I., p. 12. 



25 

vants taken to Virginia in the Seaflower. . . . Capt. Powell, gun- 
ner of James City, is dead; Capt. [Thomas] Nuce, Capt. Mad- 
dison, Lieut. Craddock's brother, and divers more of the chief men 
reported dead."" 

"James City, Flower dieu Hundred, N"ewport News, Elizabeth 
City, Henrico, and divers private plantations mounted with heavy 
ordnance.*^ . . ." 

"1623, Apl. 3. James City, Virginia. The Governor and Coun- 
cil of Virginia to the Earl of Southampton, and the rest of the 
Council for Virginia, . . . Capt. ISTuce [Thomas] lately dead; an 
account will be taken of the state of his affairs.'""' 

"1623, April 8. Newport News. George Sandw to John Ferrar. 
Capt. Nuce died very poor. . . . Allowance to Capt. Nuce's widow 
and child. . . . Send the names of all his tenants living [wanting]. 
His pinnace lies like a wreck at Elizabeth City ; has taken measures 
to have her repaired.. . . "™ 

"1623, April 14. Christopher Davison to John Ferrar. . . . 
About the 10th, the ship sent by Mr. Gookin, called (he thinks) 
the Providence, came to Newport News." . . . 1635, January. 
Musters of the inhabitants, in the Corporation of Charles City; 
Corporation of James City; . . . Martin's Hundred, Mulberry 
Island; . . . Newport News; . . . and of the Eastern Shore over 
the Bay." 

"1635, May 25. Beewports Beewes [sic]. Samuel Matthews. 
The latter part of a long letter on the differences between Sir 
John Harvey (Governor) and the Colon}^ of Virginia. The former 
leaving James Town, and the latter appointing Captain John West 
to act as Governor till His Majesty appoint another."" 

"Cal. Stat. Papers. Col. Ser., Vol. I., p. 36. 

««Cal. Stat. Papers. Col. Ser., Vol. I., p. 39. 

«»Cal. Stat. Papers. Col. Ser., p. 41. 

'"Cal. Stat. Papers. Col. Ser., Vol. I., p. 43. 

"Cal. Stat. Papers. Col. Ser., Vol. I., p. 43. 

"Cal. Stat. Papers. Col. Ser., Vol. I., p. 72. 

" Historical Manuscripts Commission. Twelfth B<^port, Appendix, 
Part II. Manuscripts of the Earl of Cowper, K. G., Vol. II., London, 
188S. 



26 



VIII. E. D. NEILL— VIRGINIA CO. OF LONDON. 

10 Dec, 1G06. "Ships Sarah [Susan] Constant, Goodspeed, and 
a pinnace Discovery . . . Capt. Christopher Newport shall have the 
sole charge and command of all captains, soldiers and marriners 
and other persons that shall go in any of the said ships and pin- 
nace in the said voyage from the day of the date hereof, until such 
time as they shall fortune to land upon the said coast of Virginia, 
and if the said Captain Newport shall happen to dye at sea, then 
the masters of the said ships and pinnace shall carry them to the 
coast of Virginia."'* 

"And whereas we have caused to be delivered unto the said Cap- 
tain Newport, Captain Barthol. Gosnold and Captain John Rat- 
cliffe, several instruments close sealed with the Counsels seal afore- 
said containing the names of such persons as we have appointed 
to be his Majesties Counsel in the country of Virginia." And 
finally after the arrival of the said ship upon the coast of Virginia 
[and] and the Counsellers' names published, the said Captain New- 
port shall with such number of men as shall be assigned him by 
the President and Counsel of said Colony spend and bestow two 
months in discovery of such ports and rivers as can be found in 
that country.^" 

The first colony left the Thames on the 19th of December 
[1606], but owing to unfavorable weather did not sail from the 
Downs until the first of January, 1606-'07. . . . Susan Constant 
of one hundred tons, with seventy one persons, in charge of Chris- 
topher Newport the commander of the fleet, the God-Speed [Good- 
Speed], of forty tons. Captain Bartholomew Gosnold, carrying 
fifty two persons, and the Discovery, of twenty tons, Capt. John 
Eatcliff, carrying twenty persons. ... By the West India route 
they reached the Virginia coast on the 26th of April, and having 
entered Chesapeake Bay, on that night opened the sealed instruc- 

" Neill. Virginia Company of London, Albany, 1869, p. 5. 

" Neill. Lond. Co. Virg., p. 5. "» Neill. Lond. Co. Virg., p. 8. 



27 

tions. They planted a cross at Cape Henr}^ on the 29th, and took 
possession of tlie country in the name of King James, and on the 
next day [30 Jan., 1606-'07] the ships anchored at Point Comfort, 
now Fortress Monroe." 

In accordance with the orders prepared in England, Captain 
Newport in a shallop, with five gentlemen, four mariners, and 
fourteen sailoi-s, ascended the river on a tour of exploration.^^ The 
ship being loaded with iron ore, sassafras, cedar posts and walnut 
boards, Newport, with Archer and Wingfleld as pasisengers, sailed 
on the 10th of April from Jamestown, and on the 20th of May ar- 
rived in England.'" 

"In the autumn of 1608 Captain Newport arrived the third time 
at Jamestown from England. . . . The iron ore which he carried 
on the return voyage was smelted, and seventeen tons of metal 
were sold at 4 pounds per ton to the East India Co.*" 

Governor's letter to council of Virginia in London: "The 7th 
of June [1610] Sir Thomas Gates having appointed every pinnass 
his complement and nomber, and delivered likewise thereunto a 
proportionable rate of provision, caused every man to repaire 
aboard : ... he sett sayle, and that night, with the tide, fell down 
to an island in the river, which our people here call Hogg Island ; and 
the next morning the tide brought them to another island, which 
they have called Mulberry Island, at what time they discovered my 
long boat. For I having understood of the resolution [to abandon 
Jamestown] by the aforesaid pinnass, which was some 4 or 5 days 
come away before, to prepare those at Pointe Comforte, with all 
expedition I caused the same to be man'd, and in it with the newes" 
of our arrivall, dispatched my letters by Captaine Edward Brew- 
ister to Sir Thomas Gates, which, meeting together before the 
said Mulberry Island [Newport was in command of the 2 pin- 
nisses, with Sir Thomas Gates, Sir George Somers and all their 

" Neill. Lond. Co. Virg., p. 15. •« Neill. Lond. Co. Virg., p. 16. 

'» Neill. Lond. Co. Virg., p. 20. Neill makes a mistake in these dates 
as will be seen in the following extracts from Stith. 

*"' Neill. Lond. Co. Virg., p. 22. 

*^ This is where the name 'News comes from, according to the local 
tradition. 



28 

company safe from the Bermudas, the 21st of May.*"] The 8th 
of June aforesaid, upon the receipt of our letters, Sir Thomas 
Gates bore up the helm againe, and that night (the wind favour- 
able), relanded his men all at the forte; before which, the 10th 
of Juue being Sonday, I brought my shipp, and in the afternoon 
went ashore.*^ . . . The 12th of June, I did constitute and give 
places of office and ehardge to divers captaines and gentlemen, and 
elected unto me a counsaile, unto wliome I administered an oath of 
faith, assistance, and secresy : their names were these : — Sir Thomas 
Gates, Knight, Lieutenant General, Sir George Sumers, Knight, 
Admirall, Capt. George Percy, Esq., Sir Ferdinando, Knight Mar- 
shall, Capt. Christopher Newport, . . . William Strachey, Esq., 

'-■ Neil!. Lend. Co. of Virginia, p. 38. 

*'• The writer was born in "Mulberry Island," about two miles from 
"Mulberry (also spelt Mulbury) Island Point," and about ten miles 
from "Newjiort's News Point," and he has heard all his life the tradi- 
tion that "Newport's News" got its name from the fact of the "newes" 
having been received on the arrival of supplies to relieve the starving 
colonists; a matter important enough to have fixed the name. Other 
pretended names seem to be altogether owing to lively imaginations 
of later writers. On a monument marking the site of the Old Colonial 
Palace in Williamsburg, in 1901, erected by Mrs. Letitia Tyler Semple, 
of Washington, there is marked the same tradition, "The London Com- 
pany sent out during the reign of Kmg James I. a party of colonists. 
They called the point at which they landed Jamestown in honor of 
their King. The colonists became discouraged by the non-arrival of aid 
and boarded their ships to return to England. When they reached 
the mouth of the James river they met the ships of Captain Newport, 
who brought them aid from home. They landed on a point of land jut- 
ting out into Hampton Roads, and called the place Newport News, to 
commemorate the good news brought by Captain Newport." In the 
"Recollections of a Lifetime," John Goode says: "Farther on is the 
city of Newport News, named in honor of Captain Newport, who 
brought the news — and we think it ought to be 'Nev^porfs News' instead 
of 'Newport News.' It was named in honor of Captain Newport, who 
brought the news of succor and relief for the perishing, suffering colony 
at Jamestown," p. 233. There may be some confusion in the details, 
but the traditions of the incident of the arrival of supplies have stood 
for three hundred years and where there are no records in opposition 
are more entitled to belief than inventions two hundred and fifty years 
after the event. 



29 

Secretary [and Recorder], . . . James Towne, July 7th, 1610. 
Tho. Lawarre, Tho. Gates, Ferd. Wenman, George Percy, Wil- 
liam Strachey.*" . . . "December 18, 1611, Newport the Admiral 
of Virginia is newly come home.'" . . . "After this Newport was 
chosen one of the six masters of the Eoyal Navy, and was en- 
gaged by the East India Company to escort Sir Robert Sherley 
to Persia."'^ 

"The Threr, Counsell and Company of Virginia, assembled at 
their great and generall courte of the 17th of Novembei', 1619.** 
. . . Whereas the Company hath formerly graunted to Captain 
Newporte a bill of Adventure of fower hundred pounds and his 
Sonne [John Newport, the only son and heir. It is possible that 
Newport News was the tract selected. Note by Neill], now de- 
syringe order from the Courte for the layinge out some part of the 
same: Mr. Treasurer was entreated and authorized by this gen- 
erall Assembly for to write to Sir George Yeardley and the Coun- 
sell of State for the effecting hereof.'' . . ." May 17, 1630. Thomas 
Nuce, Deputy in Charge of Company's Land. The other of the 
same worth now present called Mr. Thomas Nuce touchinge 
whome it was agreed that he should take charge of the Companies 
Land and Tenents in Virginia whatsoever and for his entertayn- 
ment have ordered that hee and such as shall succeed him shall in 
that place have 1200 acres of Land sett out belonging to that 
office — 600 at Kiquotan now called Elizabeth Cittie, 400 acres at 
Charles Cittie, 100 at Henrico, 100 at James Cittie.'"' [Note by 
Neill. 'Thomas Nuce settled at Elizabeth City, but soon died. On 
April 12, 1621, Sir William Nuce, Avho had been a planter in 
Ireland, offered to transport before midsummer of 1625, 2000 
persons to Virginia. The Company gave him the title of Mar- 
shall, but he also only lived a few days.' P. 178]. "Nov. 13, 1620. 
Whereas upon a former treatie had with Mr. Wood in the behalfe 

-^ Neill. VJrg. Co. of Lond., pp. 38-49. 

«^ Neill. Virg. Co. of Lond., p. 52. Cf. D. N. B., Vol. XL., p. 356. 

*« Neill. Virg. Co. of Lend., p. IGO. 

«^ Neill. Virg. Co. of Lond., p. 164. 

^ Neill. Virg. Co. of Lond., p. 178. 



30 

of Mr. Gookin/" for the transjjortation of Cattle out of Ireland 
into Virginia and offer was made unto him after the rate of lOld 
a Cowe uppon a certificate of their safe Landinge, provided they 
were fayre and Lardge Cattle of our English breed. The said 
Mr. Wood hath now his fynall aunswere that hee cannott enter- 
taine the bargaine under xii Id the CoM'e without exceeding great 
loss.""" "May 2, 1621 . Proceedings to the eleccon of Marshall for 
somuch as Captaine William Newce was onely proposed to stand 
the eleccon and to be put to the Balloting Box, was by the same 
chosen with a generall consent (save of three balls onely found in 
the negative boxe) to be Marshall of Virginia."^ . . . "July 2, 1631. 
Accordinge to Mr. Gookins' request in his said I're they had prom- 
ised yt hee should have a Pattent of a particular Plantation as 
Large as yt graunted to Sr William Newce and should allso have 
liberty to take 100 hoggs out of the Forest uppon condicon that 
he repay the said nomber againe unto the Company within the 
tearme of seaven yeares : Provided that hee use them for breed and 
increase and not for present slaughter."^ 

. . . "Company's letter, July 25, 1621, sent in ship George. And 
for that the Comp'y of youe Capt. Neuce as great hopes as any of 
their publique instruments, and have by your letters received 
great satisfaction therefore they have in bountie added to your 
former proportion of Land 300 acres which is to be appropriated 
to the place for ever : for manuringe which they by Quarter Courte 
have ordered that youe shall have ten men sent over by each yeare, 
only they desire that you will be so provided of corn and other 
necessaries as they may be only at the charge of transport, armes, 
apparrell and working tooles; and not vittualls, because the stocke 
is exhausted. We have sent a shipp of cattell from Ireland whereof 
we desire that Capt. N"ewce first be served with his promised num- 

*''Neill. Virg. Co. of Lond. "Gookin, a native of Kent, England, had 
been living at or near Cork, Ireland. On November 22. 1C21, he arrived 
in Virginia and settled at Newport News," p. 196. Note by Neill. 

»'' Neill. Virg. Co. of Lond., p. 19G. 

"^ Neill. Virg. Co. of Lond., p. 212. 

»2 Neill. Virginia Co. of Lond., p. 218. 



31 

ber.''^" . . . "Deputy Xuce, We desire you . . . and Mr. Newce to 
be carefull of the presenting and that the moyity be equally divided 
and returned unto the Company : for the stock of the Company is 
utterly exhausted. We have sent you a Commission for the Coun- 
sell wherein v^e inserted the names of all such as our intent is 
shall be of the Counsell.""* . . . "Letter of Governor and Council 
of Virginia in the Company, written January, 1621-22, and for- 
warded by Ship George. . . . There ariued heere about the 22th 
of November [1621] a shipp from Mr. Gookin out of Ireland 
wholly uppon his owne Adventure, withoute any relatione at all to 
his contract wth you in England, wch soe well furnished with all 
sorts of provisions, as well as with Cattle as wee could wyshe all 
men would follow theire example, he has also brought with him' 
about 50 men upon that Adventure, besides some 30 other Pas- 
sengers, we have Accordinge to their desire seated them at New- 
ports News, and doe conceive great hope yfE the Irish Plantation 
prosper yt frome Ireland greate multitude of People wilbe like to 
come hither.""" Francis Wyett. . . . Tho. Newce, among signers of 
the letter. 

"Letter of the Governor and Council of Virginia, written in 
April, 1622." [After the Massacre of March 22, 1622, causing 
the quitting of many plantations]. "Wee have thought most fitt 
to hold those few places James Cyttie, with Paspehay, and certain 
Plantacons one the other side of the river against the cyttie, and 
Kickoghtan and Newports News, Southampton hundred. Flower- 
don Hundred, Sherley hundred and Plantacons of Mr. Samuell 
Jourdans; all other through out the whole Colonie Ave have been 
fayne to abandon and to bringe the most of our Cattle to James 
Cyttie, the Island beinge the securest place for them, wch we hold 
in all the Eiver.""* 'Land assigned to Daniel Gookin.' 

Mrs. Mary Tue,"^ daughter of Hugh Crouch beinge the heire and 

"^Neill. Virg. Co. of Lond., p. 229. 

»* Neill. Virg. Co. of Lond., p. 232. 

»^ Neill. Virg. Co. of Lond., p. 285. 

»« Neill. Virg. Co. of Lond., p. 294. 

"'The name of "Too's Point" at the south-side mouth of Yorl\; river 
may be taken from her name. 



32 

Executrix of Lieutenant Richard Crouch did sett and assigne ouer 
in this Court 150 Acres of land, wch he said Lieutenant Crouch 
did bequeath unto her by tlie name of Mary Younge his sister, wch 
Land, was for their seruants personall Adventures and lyes at 
Newport Newes, the said land shee assigned ouer to Mr. Daniell 
Gookin. The said Mary Tue likewise assigned 100 acres of land 
wch lies in Diggs his Hundred to Samuell Jordan of Charles Hun- 
dred- gentleman.""* . . . "Governor and Council of Virginia to 
London Company, January 20, 1632-23. Sir William Nuce did 
not aboue two days suruiue the reading of his Pattent. Whose 
long delay and sudden losse were to our great disadvantage. He 
brought with him very few people, sicklie, ragged and altogether 
without prouisione, his sudden death and great depts left his 
estate much entangled to our extraordinarie trouble.""" Signed by 
Era. Wyatt and others. 

"... August 6 [1623]. Sr John Dauers acquainted the Court 
that he had receaued from Mrs Nuice [widow of Capt. Thomas 
Nuce] the late wife of Deputy Nuice deceased in Virginia, wherein 
she requested that the Companie in tender reguard of her great 
losse by the late death of her Husband being now left desolate 
and comfortless in a strainge Country farr from all her frends. 
they therefore would please grant her that fauor that she might 
still enjoy the moytie of those Tenants labors that belonged to 
her Husband's place, w'ch if he had lined had of right bin due 
unto him, until such time as they shall dispose of said place. Mr 
Deputy also signified that Mr Pountys in his letter to him comen- 
dinge much the Gentlewomans good carriage and charity to diuers 
in that Countrie, did with earnestness desire the same fauor of 
the Companie in her behalfe : Whereupon the Court takinge it 
into their consideracon conceaued her request to be verie reason- 
able and did therefore generally agree it should accordingly be 
remembered in the generall letter to the counsell there sent by 
Hopewell.'" . . . "At a Court held for Virginia, on Wednesday in 
the Afternoone, the last of Aprill, 1623. The Lo. Cavendish ac- 

»*' Neill. Virg. Co. of Lond., pp. 314-315. 

»« Neill. Virg. Co. of Lond., p. 374. 

^ Neill. Virg. Co. of Lond., pp. 381-382. 



33 

quainted the Company that diuers ancient Planters, M'rs of Shipps, 
Marriners, and sundry other persons that had lived long in Vir- 
ginia and haue beene many tymes there, had presented ye Com- 
mittee w'th an answere unto Capt Butlers Information concerning 
the Colony in Virginia; wherein they did directly contrary the 
most mayne points of his Informacon, proving them to be false 
and scandalous, w'ch was by ereccon of hands ordered to be read 
being this w'ch followeth. ... As for Boggs wee knowe of none 
in all ye Country and for the rest of the Plantancons as JSTew- 
ports' News, Blunt Poynt, Wariscoyake, Martin's Hundi'ed, Pas- 
pahey, and all the Plantacons right ouer against James City, and 
all the Plantacons aboue these w'ch are many, they are very fruitful 
and pleasant Seates, free from Salt Marishes, being all on the 
fresh river, and they are all very healthfull, and high land, except 
James Citty, w'ch it yett as high as Debtforde or Eadclyffe."' . . . 
Fortifications. ... As for great Ordinance there are fower 
pieces mounted at James City, and all seruiceable, ther are six 
mounted at Flowerdue Hundred all of them likewise seruiceable, 
and three mounted at Kiccoutan, and all of them seruiceable, there 
are likewise at Newporte Newes three, all of them seruiceable."^ 

-Neill. Virg. Co. of Lond., pp. 395-396. 
^ Neill. Virginia Co. of Lond., p. 399. 



34 



IX. PEOCEEDINGS OF THE VIRGINIA CO. OF LONDON, 
RICHMOND, 1888. 

Apl. 12, 1621 : "Wliereas Captain William Newce, out of a 
generous disposition and desire to advance the general plantation 
in Virginia (being induced hereunto by reason of a good success 
he had in Ireland upon the like worthy action), had freely offered 
to the Company to transport at his own cost and charges one 
thousand j^ersons in Virginia betwixt this and midsummer, 1625, 
to be there planted and employed upon a particular plantation, 
and intendeth to go over himself in person, to better to direct and 
govern his own people, over whom he prays he may be appointed 
their general, and to that end he desireth a patent, with that pro- 
portion of land, and with such large and ample privileges be- 
sides, as are usually granted to others in like kind; and farther, 
as well in consideration of the chargeableness of the enterprise 
he undertakes, as also for his better encouragement thereunto, he 
desireth the court would be pleased to grant him the place of ]\Iar- 
shall in Virginia, which office he aifecteth, the rather because he 
hath ever been exercised in military affairs and arms, as may ap- 
pear by his many worthy services performed in Ireland, well known 
to divers honourable persons of this Kingdom, who have testified 
the same upon their knowledge, to his exceeding great commenda- 
tion; and desires likewise that he may be allowed fifty men, to 
be placed as tenants upon the lands to be allotted unto the said 
office, which he undertakes to transport and furnish with apparel 
and necessary implements for 8 pounds the person charge unto the 
Company (wliereof the moiety he desired present payment), which 
persons, being there arrived, he will maintain and uphold at his 
own charge from time to time during his continuance in said 
office. The court having, therefore, duly considered of his propo- 
sitions (touching which the Council had also treated with him 
formerly), were pleased to give order that a patent should be 
drawn for him, as ample as any other with all manner of privi- 
leges, saving the title of general, which they could not grant 



35 

liim, because it was a title belonging to the Governor only." . . . 
"Although there be no present necessity or use of such an officer 
in Virginia (in regard of the perpetual league lately made between 
the Governor and the Indian King), yet to gratify his worthy 
undertaking the Company are pleased to grant him the place of 
marshall, with fifty men to be his tenants. And if the state of 
their cash (which the adventurers are now desired to examine) 
will permit, they will pay him in hand one moity of the money that 
he desires, and the other moiety upon certificate from the Gov- 
ernor of his arrival in Virginia. As for the other conditions of 
the contract to be made between the Company and him, it is 
agreed and ordered that the general committee with some of the 
Council hereafter named, shall hereafter treat and conclude with 
him about the same touching all particularities whatsoever."* . . . 
*'At a great and general quarter-court held the second of May, 
1621, there were present . . . the Eight Honourable Earl of South- 
ampton, Captain William N'ewce."" . . . "Whereas it has been 
taken into consideration how necessary and usefull it is to estab- 
lish two such officers in Virginia as a Treasurer and a Marshal, 
whereby the one might be accomptant here to the Company for 
such rents and duties as shall yearly accrue and grow due unto 
them : . . . and the other officer, namely, the Marshall, might under- 
take the care and charge as well of the fortifications as of the 
arms and forces of the colonj^, and to settle it in that proportion 
of strength as it may be able to defend itself against all foreign 
ennemies . . . And unto the place of Marshal, in like manner they 
have thought fit to allow the like proportion of land [1500] and 
tenants to be appropriated to the said office forever ; and forasmuch 
as Captain William Newce, now proposed for the place of Marshal, 
upon special recommendation of his sufficiency to perform the 
said office, hath undertaken to plant and furnish out with neces- 
saries the said number of fifty persons, all within one year upon 
the said land, and them to maintain and leave to his successor; 
in consideration whereof the said committees have thought fit, the 
better to enable him thereunto, to allow him £200 in hand towards 

* Virginia Company of London, Vol. I., pp. 110-111. 
^ Virg. Co. of Lond., Vol. I., p. 117. 



the charge of his present setting out, and other £200 upon certifi- 
cate of his arrival in Virginia. . . . Proceeding to the election of 
Marshall, for so much as Captain William ISTewce was only to 
stand to the election and be put to the balloting-box, was by the 
same chosen, with a general consent (save of three balls only 
found in the negative box), to be Marshal of Virginia. ... It 
being moved that two such eminent officers as the Marshal and 
Treasurer, whereunto so worthy gentlemen are now elected, might 
be both admitted to his Majesty's Council here, and also of the 
council of state in Virginia, the court conceived it fit, and ordered 
unto them accordingly."" . . . "The grievances of certain inhabi- 
tants of Kikatan, in Virginia, now called Elizabeth City, by the 
testimony of William Kempe for these named and divers others: 
. . . John Bush, having two houses paid for before the said Governor 
came in, was in like manner turned out, and Captain Nuce put in 
possession of the same by Sir George Yeardley, contrary to all 
right and equity, whereby he lost all his goods, and his wife in that 
extremity miscarried." [June 22, 1G22].' 

Captain Christopher Newport. "Newport who had so well served 
the colony, was employed by the East India Company to com- 
mand the ship which carried Sir Eobert Shirley as Ambassador 
to Persia, and on 20 June, 1613, was at Salbanha [Saldanlia]. On 
16th May, 1617, he was with the ship "Lion" at Salbanha, ready 
to sail for Britain. In 1618, he was at Bantam, in command of 
the "Hope." He died in the East Indias, and left a son named 
John."* He left a widow, sons John and Christopher, and two 

daughters "Court, July 10th, 1631. Upon the 

humble petition of Mrs. Newi^ort, widow, the court ordered that 
Sir Francis Wyat, the elect Governor, and the rest of the Council 
of state in Virginia, should be entreated to set out thirty-two shares 
of land in Virginia, heretofore bestowed on Captain Christopher 
Newport, her late husband deceased, in reward of his service, with 
an additional three whole shares for the persons of six men trans- 

«Virg. Co. Lond., Vol. I., pp. 117-120. 

' Virg. Co. Lond., Vol. I., p. 190. Showing that Thomas Nuce, the 
deputy, lived at Elizabeth City, and not at Newport's News. 
»Virg. Co. of Lond., Vol. L, p. 136, note. 



37 

ported at her cliarge, in the Jonathan, Anno, 1619, in any place 
not already disposed of, which is commended to the care of Cap- 
tain Hamor, to see it done according to Mrs. Newport's desire."" 
1620, May 17. Mv. Thomas iSTence,"' touching whom it 
was agreed that he should take charge of the Company's land 
and tenants in Virginia whatsoever, and for his entertain- 
ment have ordered that he and such as shall succeed him 
shall in that place have 1300 acres of land set out helong- 
ing to that office, 600 at Kiquotan (now Elizabeth City), 400 
at Charles City, 100 at Henrico, 100 at James City, and for the 
managing of this land have further agreed that he shall have forty 
tenants to be placed thereupon, whereof twenty shall be sent pres- 
ently, and the other twenty in the two springs ensuing."" . . . "At 
a. great and general court held for Virginia the 13th of June, 1631, 
there were present Sir William ISTewce. ... It was likewise signi- 
fied that care had been taken to make som addition to the council 
of state of Virginia of men of worth and quality, namely. Sir Wil- 
liam Newce, Knight Marshal of Virginia.'"'' July 3, 1631. "Ac- 
cording to Mr. Gookins request in his letter they had promised that 
he should have a patent for a particular plantation as large as that 
granted to Sir William Newce, and should have libe]:ty to take one 
hundred hogs out of the forest, upon condition that he repay the 
said number again unto the Company within the term of seven 
years, provided that he use them for breed and increase, not for 
present slaughter."" . . . March 37th, 1632. There was also pre- 
sented certain propositions sent to the Company by Mr Deputy 

"Virg. Co. of Lond., Vol. I, p. 136. 

'" Thomas Neuce, brother of Sir William Newce, marshal of the Col- 
ony. Both appear to have died in 1622. In a communication of the 
late Hugh Blair Grigsby, LL.D, to Charles Deane, LL.D., dated April 
14, 1867, and published in the Proceedings of the Massachusetts His- 
torical Society of that year, he offers the supposition that the point 
Newport News, in Virginia, now a thriving town, derived its component 
name from Captain Newport and Sir Yv'^illiam Newce." Note by R. A. 
Brock. Virg. Co. of Lond., Vol. I, p. 63. 

" Virg. Co. of Lond., Vol. I, pp. 63-64. 

^ Virg. Co. of Lond., Vol. I, pp. 125-126. 

"Virg. Co. of Lond., Vol. I, p. 133. 



38 

[Thomas] Newce, for altering their present condition with their 
tenants for the better improvement of the publick revenue and ad- 
vancement of the general plantation which project, for that it con- 
tained of special importance more than was fit to be disputed upon 
for the present, the court hath referred to the Council of Virginia 
to take into their consideration and to certify to their opinions 
touching the same against the quarter court."" "Great and General 
quarter-court held for Virginia the 14th of May, 1623. Also, a con- 
firmation of 32 shares to Mr John ISTewport, descended unto him 
by the death of his father, Captain Christopher, which confirma- 
tion being read and approved in the preparative court, as also in 
the morning by the committee, was now put to the question and 
ordered to be sealed."^" 

"Virg. Co. of Lond., Vol. I, p. 16S. 
^= Virg. Co. of Lond., Vol. II, p. 213. 



39 



X. PURCHAS HIS PILGRIMES. 

Purchas says : "Twelfth Voyage to the East Indies, observed by 
mee Walter Payton, in the good ship the Expedition : the Captaine 
whereof was M. Christopher Newport, being set out, Anno, 1G13." 
[Hakluytus Posthnmus or Purchas His Pilgrimes. By Samuel 
Purchas, B D. Glasgow. James MacLehose & Sons. 190o, Vol. iv, 
Chap. X, p. ISO.] 

"George Percy. On Saturday the twentieth of December in the 
yeere 1606, the fleet fell from London, and the fift of January we 
anchored in the Downes; but the winds continued contrarie so long, 
that we were forced to stay there some time, where we suffered 
great stormes, but by the skilfulnesse of the Captaine we suffered 
no great losse or danger. [Vol. xviii, p. 403.] The twelfth day of 
February . . . The next day Cap. Smith was suspected for a sup- 
posed Mutinie, though never no such matter." [P. 404]. . . . 
^' April. The five and twentieth of Aprill we sounded, and had no 
ground at an hundred fathom. The six and twentieth day of Aprill, 
about foure a clocke in the morning, we descried the Land of Vir- 
ginia : the same day wee entered into the Bay of Chesupioc directly, 
without any let or hinderance. [p. 407] . . . Going a little further 
we came into a little plat of ground full of fine and beautifull 
Strawberries, foure times bigger and better then ours in England 
. . . Wee rowed over to a point of Land, where wee found a chan- 
nell, and sounded six, eight, ten, or twelve fathom : which put us in 
good comfort. Therefore wee named the point of Land, Point Com- 
fort. . . . The thirtieth day [April], we came M'ith our ships to 
Cape Comfort; . . . the Captaine caused the shallop to be manned, 
so rowing to the shoare, the Captaine called to them in signe of 
friendship, but they were at first very timersome, until they saw 
the Captain lay his hand on his heart; upon that they laid down 
their Bowes and Arrowes, and came very boldly to us, making 
signes to come a shoare to their Towne, which is called by the 
Savages Kecoughtan. [p. 409]. . . . The eight day of May we dis- 
covered up the Eiver. We landed in the Countrey of Apamatics, 
[p. 411] . . , The twelfth day we went backe to our ships and dis- 



40 

covered a point of Land, called Archers Hope, which was sufficient 
with a little labour to defend ourselves against the Enemy. . . . 
The thirteenth day, we came to our seating place in Paspihas 
Country, some eight miles from the point of Land, which I made 
mention before : where our shippes doe lie so neere the shoare that 
they are moored to the Trees in six fathom water. The fourteenth 
day we landed all our men which were set to worke about the forti- 
fication, [p. 412]. ... At Port Cotage in our Voyage up the 
Elver, we saw a Savage Boy about the age of ten years, v/hich had 
a head of haire of a perfect yellow and a reasonable white skinne, 
which is a Miracle amongst all Savages." [Thought to have been 
a descendant of the Eoanoke Island colonists of 1585-1587.] "This 
River which wee have discovered is one of the famousest Rivers that 
ever was found by any Christian, it ebbes and flowes a hundred 
and threescore miles where ships of great burthen may harbour in 
safetie. [p. 414]. . . . The foure and twentieth day wee set up a 
Crosse at the head of this River, naming it Kings River, where we 
proclaimed James King of England to have the most right unto 
it. When wee had finished and set up our Crosse, we shipped our 
men and made for James Fort. By the way we came to Pohatans 
where the Captaine went on shore suffering none to goe with 
him. [p. 415]. ... Munday the two and twentieth of June, in 
the morning Captaine Newport in the Admirall departed from 
James Fort for England. Captaine Newport being gone for Eng- 
land leaving us [p. 416]. (one hundred and foure persons) verie 
bare and scantie of victualls, furtherniore in warres and dangers 
of the Savages. We hoped after a supply which Captain promised 
within twentie weekes." [p. 417]. . . . "[Caj^tain John Smith]. 
There is but one entrance by Sea into this Countrey, and that is 
at the mouth of a verie goodly Bay, the widenesse whereof is neero 
eighteen or twentie miles. The Cape on the South side is called 
Cape Henrie, in honour of our most Noble Prince. . . . The North 
Cape, is called Cape Charles, in honour of the worthy Duke of 
York. The lies before it are named Smiths lies, because he first 
of ours set foot on them. [p. 421]. . . . On the West side of the 
Bay, are five faire and delightful Rivers. . . . The first of those 
Rivers and the next to the mouth of the Bay hath its course from 



41 

West by jSTortli. The Name of this Kiver they call Powhatan ac- 
cording to the name of a principall Countrie that lieth upon it. 
[p. 423]. Captain Bartholomew Gosnokl, the first mover of this 
Plantation, having many yeeres solicited many of his friends, but 
found small assistants; at last prevailed with some Gentlemen, as 
M. Edward-Maria Wingfield, Captain John Smith, and divers 
others, who depended a yeere upon his projects, but nothing could 
be effected, till by [p. 459] their great charge and Industrie it 
came to be apprehended by certain of the Nobilitie, Gentrie and 
Merchants, so that his Majestie by his Letters Pattents, gave com- 
mission for establishing Councels, to direct here, and to governe, 
and execute there; to this effect was spent another yeere, and by 
that time three Ships were provided, one of one hundred Tuns, 
another of fortie, and a pinnace of twelve. The transportation of 
the Company was committed to Captaine Christopher Newport, a 
Mariner well practised for the Westerne parts of America [p. 460]. 
. . . On the nineteenth of December, 1606. we set saile. Orders 
for government. Susan Constant Admiral with 71. God speed 
[Good Speed] Vice-Admirall with 53. Commanded by Cap. Gos- 
nol. Discovery Eear-Admirall, with 21. [p. 460]. The Company 
was not a little discomforted, seeing the Mariners had three daies 
passed their reckoning and found no Land, so tliat Captaine Eat- 
cliffe (Captaine of the Pinnace) rather desired to beare up the 
Helme to returne to England, then make further search. But God 
the guider of all good actions, forcing them by an extreme storme 
to Hull all night, did drive them by his providence to their desired 
Port, beyond all their expectations, for never any of them had scene 
the coast. The first Land they made, they called Cape Henry; 
where anchoring, M. Wingfield, Gosnoll, and Newport, with thirtie 
others, recreating themselves on shoare, were assaulted by five Sav- 
ages, who hurt two of the English very dangerously. That night 
was the Box, with the orders for Government, opened, and the 
orders read, in which Bartholomew Gosnoll, Edward Wingfield^ 
Christopher Newport, John Smith, John EatclifPe, John Martin and 
George Kendall, were named to be the Councell, in which the 
President had two voices. Until the thirteenth of May they sought 
a place to plant in, then the Councell was sworne. M. Wingfield 



42 

was chosen President, and an Oration made, why Captaine Smith 
was not admitted to the Councell as the rest. ... By the extraordi- 
nary paine and diligence of Captaine Kendall, Newport, with Smith, 
and twentie [p. 461] others, were sent to discover the head of the 
Eiver: by divers small habitations they passed, in six days they 
arrived at a Towne called Powhatan, consisting of som^e twelve 
houses pleasantly seated on a Hill, . . . the place is very pleasant, 
and strong by nature, of this place the Prince is called Powhatan, 
and his people Powhatans, to this place the Kiver is Navigable, but 
higher within a mile, by reason of the Eockes and lies, there is not 
passage for a small Boat, this they call the Palls. . . . Six weekes 
being spent in this manner; Captaine Newport (who was hired 
onely for our transportation) was to returne Math the Ships. Now 
Captaine Smith (who all this time from their departure f^'om the 
Canaries) was restrained as a prisoner upon the scandalous sug- 
gestions of some of the chief e (envying his repute) who fained he 
intended to usurpe [p. 462] the government, murder the Councill, 
and make himselfe King, that his confederates were dispersed in 
all three Ships, and divers of his confederates that revealed it, 
would affirme it; for this he was committed, thirteene weekes he 
remained thus suspected, and by that time the Ships should re- 
turne, they pretended, out of their commisserations, to referre him 
to the Councell in England to receive a check, rather then by par- 
ticularizing his designes make him so odious to the world, as to 
touch his life, or utterly overthrow his reputation; but he much 
scorned their charitie, and publickly defied the uttermost of their 
crueltie, hee wisely prevented their policies, though he could not 
suppresse their envies, yet he so well he demeaned himselfe in this 
business, as all the Company did see his innocencie, and his ad- 
versaries malice, and those which had been suborned to accuse 
him, accused his accusers of subornation; many untruths were al- 
ledged against him; but being so apparently disproved, begat a 
generall hatred in the hearts of the Company against unjust Com- 
manders; many were the mischief es that daily sprung from their 
ignorant (yet ambitious) spirits; but the good doctrine and exhor- 
tation of our Preacher Master Hunt reconciled them, and caused 
Captaine Smith to be admitted of the Councell; the nexL' day all 



43 

received the Communion, the day following the Savages voluntarily 
desired peace, and Captaine Newport returned for England with 
newes;^* leaving in Virginia one hundred; the fifteenth of June, 
1607. [p. 463]. The new President, [Wingfield] and Martin, 
[Captain John] being little beloved; of weake judgement in dan- 
gers, and lessc industry in peace, committed the management of 
all things abroad to Captaine Smith : who by his owne example, 
good words, and faire promises, set some to mow, others to binde 
thatch, some to built houses, others to thatch them, himselfe al- 
waies bearing the greatest taske for his owne share, so that in short 
time he provided most of them lodgings, neglecting any for him- 
selfe [p. 463]. Smith prisoner . . . Having feasted him in their 
best manner, they held a consultation, in conclusion whereof, two 
great [p. 471] stones were brought before Pohatan, and as many 
as could lay hold on him dragged him to them, and thei'eon laid 
his head, being ready with their clubbes to beate out his braines. 
Pocahuntas the Kings dearest Daughter, when no intreatie would 
prevaile, got his head in her armes, and laid her owne upon his to 
save him from death : whereupon the Emperour was contented hee 
should live to make him Hatchets, and Beads, Bels, and Copper 
for her. [p. 473]. . . . All this time our cares were not so much 
to abandon the Countrie, but the Treasurer and Councell in Eng- 
land, were as diligent and carefull to supply us. Two tall Shippes 
they sent us, with neere one hundred men, well furnished with 
all things could be imagined necessary, both for them and us. 
The one commanded by Captaine jSTewporte : the other by Cap- 
taine Nelson, an honest man and an expert Marriner, but such was 
the leewardnesse of his Ship (that though he were in sight of 
Cape Henry) by stormy contrary windes, was forced so farre to 
Sea, as the West Indies was the next land for the repaire of his 
Masts, and reliefe of wood and water. But Captaine Newport got 
in, and arrived at James Towne, not long after redemption of 
Captaine Smith. [Captain Smith] . . . Pained to be under the 
command of Captaine Newporte, whom [p 473] he termed to be 

" Here we have Newes written by Purchas in connection with New- 
port, in 1607. 



44 

his Fatlier. . . . James Towne was burnt. (4oocl Master Hunt our 
Preacher lost all his Librairic and all that he ha'd (but the clothes 
on his backe) yet none ever saw him repine at his losse. . . . This 
happened in the Winter, [January the 7 JLl''] 1(508] in that 
extreme Frost, 1(307. . . . Yet the ship staying there i'ourteene 
weekes [p. 47(5]. . . . Wee spied many fishes lurking amongst 
the weedes on the Sands, our Captaine sporting himself t to catch 
them by nailing them to the ground with his sword, set us all a 
fishing in that manner; by this devise, we tooke more in a houre, 
then we all could eate ; but it chanced, the Captaine taking a fish 
from his Sword (not knowing her condition) being much of the 
fashion of a Thornbacke with a longer taile, whereon is a most 
poysoned sting of two or three inches long, which shee strooke an 
inche and a lialfo into the wrist of his ai'me the which in foure 
hours had so extremely swolne his hand, arme, shoulder, and 
part of his body, as we all with much sorrow concluded his funerall, 
and prepared his grave in an He hard by (as himself appointed) 
which then wee called Stingeray He, after the name of the fish." 
Yet by the heipe of a ])recious Oyle which Doctour Eussells applied, 
ere night his tormenting paine was so well asswayed that hee eate 
the fish for his supper, which gave no lesse joy and content to us, 
than ease to himselfe. Having neither Surgeon nor Surgery but 
the preservative Oyle, we presently set saile for James Towne; 
passing the mouth of Pyankatanck, and Pamaunke'^ Elvers, the 
next day we safely arrived at Kccoughtan. [p. 48(5.] . . . Written 
by Walter Eussell and Amos Todkill. . . . The twentieth of July 
[1608] Captaine Smith set forward to finish the discovery with 
twelve men . . . The winde being contrary caused our stay two 
or three dales at Kecoughtan. . . . The first night we anchored at 
Stingeray He, [p. 487] the next day crossed Patawomecke Piver. 
[488] ... In a faire calme, rowing towards Point, we anchored 
in Gusnolds Bay; [Poquoson] but such a sudden gust surprised us 
in the night, with thunder and raine, that wee never thought more 

^' And still called "Stingray Point," at the southern point at the 
mouth of the Rappahannock River. 

^* Now York River. 



45 

to have seen James Towne ; yet running before the winde, we some- 
times see the Land by the flashes of fire from heaven, by whicli 
light onely wee kept from the splitting shoare, untill it pleased 
God in that blacke darkenesse to preserve us by that light to finde 
Point Comfort. . . , Arrived safe the seventh of September, 1608. 
... By Nathaniell Powell, and Anas Todkill. The tenth of Sep- 
tember, 1608, by the election of the Councell, and request of the 
company, Captaine Smith received the Letters Patents, and tooke 
upon him the place of President, [p. 493]. . . . How, or why, 
Captaine Newporte obtained sucli a private Commission as not to 
returne without a lumpe of Gold, a certainty of the South-Sea or 
one of the lost Company of Sir Walter Kawley I know not, nor 
why he brought such a five pieced Barge, not to beare us to that 
vSouth-Sea, till wee had borne her over the Mountaines (vdiich how 
farre they extend is yet unknowne.) [p. 494] . . . The Ship having 
disburdened her selfe of seventy persons, with the first Gentle- 
woman, [Mrs. Forest] and woman servant [Anne Burras, her 
maid], that arrived in our Colony; Captaine Newport with all the 
Counsell, and one hundred and twenty chosen men, set forward 
for the discovery of Monacan, leaving the President [Captain John 
Smith] at the Fort with eighty (such as they were) to relade the 
Ship. [p. 498] . . . There was a Marriage betweene John Laydon 
and Anna Burrowes, being the first marriage we had in Virginia. 
Captaine Newport . . . met with Master Scrivener at Point Com- 
fort, and so returned for England, leaving us in all two hundred, 
with those he brought us. [p. 502.] . . . [The third supply]. Lord 
De-la-ware was made Governor; ^Vlio for his Deputie, sent Sir 
Thomas Gates, and Sir George Somers, with nine ships and five 
hundred persons: they set saile from England in May, 1609. [p. 
529] . . . Captaine Smith left the Colony. Master Persie per- 
suaded to stay and be their President, [p. 534]. Richard Pots, 
W. P. [Phettiplace], [p. 537]. The adventurers had sent Sir 
Thomas Dale with three ships, men and cattell, and all other pro- 
visions necessarie for a yeere, all which arrived the tenth of May, 
1611. [p. 540]. "Purchas's Pilgrims, Vol. xix. A letter of M. 
Gabriel Archar, 1609. From Woolwich the fifteenth of May, 1609, 
seventh saile weyed anchor, and came to Plimmouth the twentieth 



46 

day, where sir George Somers, with two small vessels, consorted 
with us June second wee set sayle to Sea, but crost by South- 
west windes, wee put in to Faulemouth, and there staying till the 
eight of June, we then gote out. . . . About sixe dayes after we 
lost sight of England, one of Sir George Somers Pinnasses left 
our company, and (as I take it) bore up for England; the rest 
of the ships, viz. The Sea Adventure Admirall, wherein was Sir 
Thomas Gates, Sir George [p. 1] Somer, and Captaine jSTewport: 
The Diamond Vice-admirall, wherein was Captaine Eatcliffe, and 
Captaine King. The Falcon Eeare-admirall, in which was Captaine 
Martin, and Master Nellson : The Blessing, wherein I and Captaine 
Adams went: The Unitie, wherein Captaine Wood, and Master 
Pett were. The Lion, wherein Captaine Webb remained: And 
the Swallow of Sir George Somers, in which Captaine ]\Ioone, and 
Master Somer went. In the Catch went one Matthew Fitch Mas- 
ter: and in the Boat of Sir George Somers, called the Virginia, 
which was built in the ]Srorth Colony, went one Captaine Davies, 
and one Master Davies. These were the Captaine, and Masters of 
our Fleet. We ran a Southerly course from the Tropicke of Can- 
cer, where having the Sun within sixe or seven degrees right over 
our head in July, we bore away West; so that by the fervent heat 
and loomes breezes, many of our men fell sicke of the Calenture,^* 
and out of the two ships was throwne over-board thirtie two per- 
sons. The Viee-admirall was said to have the plague in her; but 
in the Blessing we had not any sicke, albeit we had twenty women 
and children. Upon Saint James day, [Juy 25] being about one 
hundred and fiftie leagues distant from the West Indies, in crossing 
the Gnlfe of Bohoma, there hapned a most terrible and vehement 
storme, which was a taile of the West Indian Horucano; this tem- 
pest separated all our Fleet one from another, . . . and as it fell 
out five or sixe dayes after the storme ceased (which endure fortie 
foure houres in extremitie) the Lion first, and after the Falcon 
and the L^nitie, got sight of our Shippe, so we lay a- way directly 
for Virginia, finding neither current nor winde opposite, as some 

^"Not yellow fever, as supposed by some (see Spanish Dictionary), 
but more likely ship-fever, or typhus, from over crowding, bad food 
and water. 



47 

have reported, to the great charge of our Coiinsell and Adventur- 
ers. The Unitie was sore distressed when she came up with us, 
for of seventy land [p. 2] men she had not ten sound, and all 
her Sea men were downe, but onely the Master and his Boy, with 
one poore sailer, but we relieved them, and we foure consorting, 
fell into the Kings Biver haply the eleventh of August. In the 
Unitie were borne two children at Sea, but both died, being both 
Boyes. . . . After our foure Ships had bin in harbour a few dayes, 
came in the Viceadmirall, having cut her niaine Mast over boord, 
and many of her men very sicke and weake, but she could tell no 
newes of our Governour, and some three or foure dayes after her, 
came in the Swallow, with her maine Mast overboord also, and 
had a shrewd leake, neither did she see our Admirall. [p. 3.] Now 
did we all lament much the absence of our Governour, . . . Inas- 
much as the President [George Percy] to strengthen his authority, 
accorded with the Mariners, and gave not any due respect to many 
worthy Gentlemen, that came in our Ships; whereupon they gen- 
erally (having also my consent) chose Master West, my Lord de 
la Wars brother, to be their Governour, or president de bene esse, 
in the absence of Sir Thomas Gates, or if he miscarried l)y Sea, 
then to continue till Ave heard nev/es from our Counsell in Eng- 
land. This choice made him not to disturbe the old President 
during his time, but as his authority expired, then to take upon 
him the sole government, with such assistance of the Captaines, 
and discreetest persons as the Colonic afforded. Perhaps you shall 
have it blazoned a mutenie by such as retaine old malice ; but Mas- 
ter West, Master Percie, and all the respected Gentlemen of worth 
in Virginia, can and will testifie otherwise upon their oaths. Por 
the Kings Patent we ratified, but refused to be governed by the 
President that now is, after his time was expired, and onely sub- 
jected our selves to Master West, whom we labour to have next 
President. Prom James Towne this last of August, 1609. [Gabriel 
Archer.] [p. 4.] . . , Under the government of the Lord La Warre, 
July 15, 1610. Written by William Strachy, Esquire, [p. 5]. ... 
We were within seven or eight dayes at the most, l)y Cap. New- 
ports reckoning of making Cape Henry upon the coast of Virginia : 
When on S. James his day, July 24, being Monday, ... a dread- 



48 

full storme and hideous began to blow from out the North-east. 
[p. 6.] . . . Making out our Boates, we had ere night brought all 
our men, women, and children, about the number of one hundred 
and fifty, safe into the Island. We found it to be the dangerous 
and dreaded Hand, or rather Hands of the Bermuda, [p. 13.] . . . 
The tenth of May [1610] early, Sir George Summers and Cap- 
taine Newport went off with tlieir long Boates, . . . About ten of 
the clocke, that day being Thursday, we set sayle an easie gale, 
the wind at South, [p. 41.] . . . The seventeenth of May we saw 
change of water, and had much Eubbish swimme by our ship side, 
whereby wee Knew wee w^ere not farre from Land. The eighteenth 
about midnight we sounded, with the Dipsing Lead [deep-sea 
lead], and found thirtie seven fadome. The nineteenth in the 
morning we sounded, and had nineteene and one halfe fadome, 
stonie, and sandie ground. The twentieth about midniglit, we had 
a marvellous sweet smell from the shoare (as from the Coast of 
Spaine, short of the Straits) strong and pleasant, which did not a 
little glad us. In the morning by day breake (so soone as one 
might well see from the fore-top) one of the Saylers descryed Land 
abovit an hour after, I went up and might discover two Hum- 
mockes to the Southward, from which (Northward all along) lay 
the Land, which Avee were to Coast to Cape Henrie. About seven 
of the clocke we cast forth an Anchor, because the tyde (by reason 
of the Freshet that set into the Bav) made a strong Ebbe there, 
and the winde was but easie, so as [p. 42] not being able to stemme 
the Tyde, we purposed to lye at an Anchor untill the next flood, 
but the wind comming South-west a loome gale about eleven, 
we set sayle againe, and having got over the Barre, bore in for the 
Cape. This is the famous Chesipiacke Bay, Avhicli wee have called 
(in honour of our young Prince) Cape Henrie over against which 
within the Bay, lyetli another Headland, which wee called in 
honour of our Princely Duke of Yorke Cape Charles; and these 
lye North-east and by East, and South-west any by West, and they 
may bee distant each from the other in breadth seven leagues, be- 
tweene ' which the Sea runnes in as broad as betweene Queene- 
burrough and Lee. Indeed it is a goodly Bay and a fairer, not 
easily to be found. The one and twentieth being Munday in the 



49 

morning, wee came up within two miles of Point Comfort, when 
the Captaine of the Fort discharged a warning peece at us, where- 
upon we came to an Anchor, and sent off our long Boat to the 
Fort, to certifie who we were. . . . Such who talked with our men 
from the shoare, delivered how safely all our shijis the last yeere 
(excepting only the Admirall, and the little Pinasse in which one 
Michael Philes commanded of some twentie tunne, which we 
towed a sterne till the storme blew) arrived, and how our people 
(well increased) had therefore builded this Fort. [p. 43] . . . 
Wlien our Skiffe came up againe, the good newes"" of our ships, 
and mens arrivall last yeere, did not a little glad our Governor: 
who went soone ashoare, and assoone (contrary to all our faire 
hopes) had new unexpected, uncomfortable, and heavie newes [the 
word again] of a worse condition of our peoj^le above at James 
Towne. Upon Point Comfort our men did the last yeere raj^se a 
little Fortification, which since has been better perfected, and is 
likely to prove a strong Fort, and is now kept by Captaine James 
Davies and forty men, and hath to name Algernoone Fort, so called 
by Captaine George Percy, whom we found at our arrivall Presi- 
dent of the Colony, and at this time like- wise in the Fort. When 
we got into the Point, which was the one and twentieth of May, 
being Munday about noone; where riding before an Indian Towne 
called Ivecoughtan, a mightie storme of Thunder, Lightning, and 
Eaine, gave us a shrewd and fearfull welcome. From thence in 
two dayes (only by the helpe of Tydes, no winde stirring) wee 
plyed it sadly up the Elver, and the three and twentieth of May 
we cast Anchor before James Towne, where we landed, and our 
much grieved Governour, first visiting the Church caused the bell 
to be rung, at which (all such as were able to come forth from 
their houses) repayred to Church where our Minister Master Bucke 
made a zealous and sorrowfull Prayer, finding all things so con- 
trary to our expectations, so full of misery and misgovernment. 
After Service our Governor [Sir Thomas Gates] caused mee [Wil- 
liam Strachy] to reade his Commission, and Captaine Percie (the 
President) delivered up unto him his Commission, the old Patent 
and the Councell Seale. [p. 44] . . . The pitty hereof moved our 

^o Here we have again the word "newes,'' connected with the locality. 



50 

Governor to draw forth such provision as he had [p. 53] brought, 
proportioning a measvire equally to every one a like. But then our 
Governor began to examine how long this store would hold out, 
and found it (husbanded to the best advantage) not possible to 
serve longer then sixteen dayes : after which, nothing was to be 
possibly supposed out of the Countrey (as before remembered) nor 
remained there then any meanes to transport him elsewhere. Where- 
upon he then entered into the consultation with Sir George Sum- 
mers, and Captaine Newport, calling unto the same the Gentlemen 
and Counsell of the former Government, intreating both the one 
and the other to advise with him what was best to be done. ... It 
soone then appeared most fit, by a general approbation, that to pre- 
serve and save all from starving, there could be no redier course 
thought on, then to abandon the Country, and accomodating them- 
selves the best they might, in the present Pinnasses then in the 
road, namely in the Discovery and Virginia, and in the two, 
brought from and builded at the Bermudas, the Deliverance, and 
the Patience, with all speede convenient to make for the New 
found Land, where (being the fishing time) they might raeete with 
many English Ships into which happily they might disperse most 
of the Company, [p. 53] . . . The seventh of June, . . . about noone 
giving a farewell, with a peale of small shot, we set saile, and that 
night, with the tide, fell downe to an Island in the Eiver, which 
our people have called Hogge Hand; and the morning tide brought 
us to another Hand, which we have called Mulberry Hand; where 
lying at an ancor, in the afternoone stemming the tide, we dis- 
covered a long Boate making towards us, from Point Comfort: 
much descant we made thereof, about an houre it came up; by 
which, to our no little joyes, we had intelligence of the honorable 
my Lord La AYarr his arrivall before Algernoone Fort the sixt of 
June, at what time, true it is, his Lordship having understood of 
our Governours resolution to depart the Country, with all expedi- 
tion caused his Skiffe to be manned, and in it dispatched his letters 
by Captain Edward Bruster (who commandeth his Lordsliips Com- 
pany) to our Governour, which preventing us before the aforesaid 
Mulberry Island, (the eight of June aforesaid) upon the receipt 
of his honours letters, our Governour bare up the helme, with the 



51 

winde comming Easterly, and that night (the winde so favourable) 
relanded all his men at the Fort againe, before which (the tenth 
of June being Sunday) his Lordship [de la Warr] had likewise 
brought his Ships, and in the afternoone, came ashoare, with Sir 
Eerdinando Weinman, and all his Lordships followers, [p. 54] 
. . . Upon his Lordship's landing at the South gate of the Palli- 
zado (which lookes into the Eiver) our Governor [Sir Thomas 
Gates] caused his company in armes to stand in order, and make 
a Guard: It pleased him that I [William Strachy] should beare 
his Colours for that time : his Lordship landing, fell upon his 
knees, and before us all, made a long and silent Prayer to him- 
selfe, and after, marched up into the Towne, where at the Gate, I 
bowed with the Colours, and let them fall at his Lordship's feete, 
who passed on into the Chappell, where he heard a Sermon by 
Master Bucke our Governours Preacher; and after that, caused a 
Gentleman, of his owne followers, Master Anthony Scot his 
Ancient, [Standard-bearer; ensign] to reade his Commission, which 
intituled him Lord Governour, and Captaine General during his 
life, of the Colony and Plantation in Virginia (Sir Thomas Gates 
our Governor hitherto, being now stiled therein Lieutenant Gen- 
eral.) After the reading of his Lordships Commission, Sir Thomas 
Gates rendered up unto his Lordship his owne Commission, both 
Patents, and the Counsell Scale: after [p. 59] which the Lord 
Governour, and Captaine Generall, delivered some few words unto 
the Company, . . . hartening them with the Knowledge of what 
store of provisions he had brought for them, viz. sufficient to serve 
foure hundred men for one whole yeere. The twelfth of June, 
being Tuesday, the Lord Governor and Captaine Generall, did con- 
stitute, and give places of Office, and charge to divers Captaines 
and Gentlemen, and elected unto him a Counsell, unto whom he 
did administer an Oath, mixed with the oath of Alligiance, and 
Supremacy to his Majestic: which oath likewise he caused to be 
administred the next day after to every particular member of the 
Colony, of Faith, Assistance, and Secrecy. The Counsaile which 
he elected were. Sir Thomas Gates Knight, Lieutenant Generall. 
Sir George Summers, Knight, Admirall. Captaine Percy Esquire, 
and in the Fort Captaine of fifty. Sir Ferdinando Weinman 



52 

Knight, Master of Ordnance. Captaine Christopher Newport, Vice-- 
admirall. William Strachie Esquire, Secretary and Recorder, [p. 
00] ... In Counsell therefore the thirteenth of June, it pleased 
Sir George Summers Knight, Admiral, to propose a Voyage, which 
for the better reliefe, and good of the Colony, he would perform 
into the Bermudas, from whence he would fetch six months pro- 
visions of Flesh and Fish, and some live Hogges to store our Col- 
ony againe : and had a Commission given unto him the fifteenth 
of June, 1610, who in his owne Bermuda Pinnace, the Patience, 
consorted with Captaine Samuel Argoll, in the Discovery (whom 
the Lord Governour, and Ca])taine General!, made of the Counsell 
before his departure) the nineteenth of June, fell with the Tyde 
from before our Towne, and th(> twenty two left the Bay, or Cape 
Henry a sterne. 

. . . Supplies for Virginia. [Pp. 120-129]. 

. . . Ships and People. [Pp. 143-144]. 

. . . [1020.] The Governours [Sir George Yeardley] arrivall 
in Virginia, at the end of the last Summer, with nine ships, and 
neere seven hundred people all safely, and in good health. The 
admirable deliverance of divers ships; and namely of the Tiger, 
[p. 145]. 

. . . [1021.] Patents granted this yeere . . . No. 10. To Mas- 
ter Daniell Gookin. 

. . . Newes from Virginia in Letters sent thence 1021. 

In the three last yeeres of 1619. 1020. 1021. there hath been pro- 
vided and sent for Virginia two and fortie saile of ships, three 
thousand five hundred and seventie men and women for Planta- 
tion, with requisite provisions, besides store of Cattle, and in those 
ships have beene above twelve lumdred Mariners imployed: . . . 
In which space have been granted fiftie Patents to particular per- 
sons, for Plantation in Virginia, who with their Associates have 
undertaken therein to transport great multitudes of peojiflp and 
cattle thither, which for the most part is since performed, and the 
residue now in preparing, as by several Declarations of each yeere 
in their particulars, (manifested and approoved in«pur. generall 
and publike Quarter-Courts) and for the fuller satisfacuon of all 
desirous to understand the particularities of such proceedings, hath 



53 

beene by printing commended to the understanding of all. Sir 
Prancis Wiat was sent Governour into Virginia, who arrived there 
in November, 1621. with Master George Sandys Treasurer, Master 
Davison Secretarie, &c. In the nine ships sent in that Fleet died 
but one Passenger of seven hundred, in whose roome there was 
another borne at Sea. [p. 149]. . . . Master Gookin arrived also 
out of Ireland with fiftie men of his owne, and thirtie Passengers 
well furnished."^ . . . The Massacre so affrighted all that it was 
concluded, that all the pettie Plantations should be left, to make 
good a few places (some says five or six) whither for want of Boats 
their goods and cattell could not be suddenly conveyed, but that 
much was exposed to the Savages cruell gleanings. Master Gookins 
at Nuports newes, having thirtie five of all sorts with him refused 
that order, and made good his part against the Savages. . . . Cap- 
taine Nuse and Captaine Crawshav/e are much for providence and 
valour commended. Waters and his wife were kept prisoners by 
the Nansamuds . . . they found opportunitie to get into a Canoa, 
and escaped to Kecoughtan. Captaine [Thomas] Nuce [at Ke- 
coughtan] called his Neighbours together when he heard of the 
Massacre, entrenched himselfe, and mounted three Peeces of Ord- 
nance, so that in foure dayes hee was strong enough to defend him- 
selfe against all the Barbarian forces, [p. 169]. 



-^ John Newport and Gookin may have been Associates in this Plan- 
tation, as reference is made to the two in nearly the same words. The 
name Newport's News was given before and Gookin settled above "New- 
port's News,' towards Maries Movmt. 



54 



XI. E. D. NIELL— VIRGINIA VETUSTA. 

"George Sandys, the treasurer of the Colony, wrote to Deputy 
Ferrar that Sir William Newce" in October, 1G22, had come 'with 
a very few of weak and unserviceable people, ragged, and with not 
abo'^^e a fortnight's provision, some bound for three years, a few for 
five, and most upon wages.' "'^ . . . "Xewce died in a short time, 
and Sandys mentions that for the five men that should have been 
delivered to him, he was glad to receive 'a page dead, before de- 
livered,' and 'another little boy hardly worth his victuals.' "'* 

Afterwards in 1622, Smith speaks of Master Gookins at "Nu- 
ports-newes.""^ 

"Letter of William Capps. Elizabeth City. 31 March, 1623. To 
Deputy Ferrar. . . . You would make all men forsweare yo'r deal- 
ing for you know I was awarded xxx lb and ])y yo'r means I was 
not to have it my selfe but was to adventure it w'tli Sr Wyllm 
Naughtworth (Sir William Newce) He dying in Virginia the 
Threar (George Sandys) seizeth of all and there is an end of that 
and my 7 yeares toyle in breeding of Swyne and Capt Newce 
[? Thomas] hath Avth his Company devowered them almost all 

^ 'Newce had served as a captain against the Spaniards at Kinsale, 
and was one of the English colonists in Ireland. Captain [who was 
afterwards (1622) Sir] William Newce was in 1613 chosen first Mayor 
of Bandon. He laid out a town opposite Bandon called Newce's Town 
and the conjecture that Newport, Va., v/as first called Newce's Port may 
be true. In April, 1621, he offered to plant a Colony in Virginia. His 
relative Thomas Newce, was a Councillor, and he [Sir William] was 
Marshal of Virginia.' Note by Neill. Virginia Vetusta. Edward D. 
Neill. Albany, N. Y., 1885. [There is no record that the place was ever 
called Newce's Point; only nineteenth century "conjectture."] 

^ "Newport's newes. Mr. Daniell Gookines Muster. 1624-25." Hotten's 
Original Lists of Emigrants, 1600-1700, p. 243. 

^ Neill. Virg. Co. of Lond., pp. 284-295. 

^=Capt. John Smith. Works, Arber's edition, p. 584. Called "New- 
port's Newes" on Fry and Jefferson's Map, 1787. See Virg. Co. of Lond., 
p. 294. See also map in the Dinwiddle Papers, Virg. Hist. Soc, Rich- 
mond, 1883. Neill. Virginia Vetust., p. 119. 



55 

wtli himselfe and those men you sent to him & there is an end of 
that, . . . Captainc Newce he cutts our throates on the other side 
and he letts in the Indians and that while the other provides to 
kill all the sw^^ne as it were of sett purpose to overthrow all who 
must make this good againe.'"* 

"... Next for Sr Wm. Newce he came indeed into the Contrey 
and dyed and Mr. Sandys he gripes all for the Companie for all 
yo'r Order of Court and if you looke well ahout you may see the 
just hand of God on that very place. For by true Report since the 
day it was torne from us there have dyed above a hundred more by 
halfe than ever dyed there in eleaven yeare before and one him- 
selfe.'"' . . . "In March, 1G32, Rolfe died ... His lands near Mul- 
berry Island were given to his wife during her life, and then to his 
daughter Jane. (Xote: He had by patent 400 acres in Tappahan- 
nock and with his father-in-law and others, 1700 acres near Mul- 
berry Island.'"'* 



^''Neill. Virg. Vetust, pp. 128-129. 
"Neill. Virg. Vetust, p. 132. 
^^ Neill. Virg. Vetust, p. 141. 



56 



XII. E. D. NEILL— VIRGINIA CAROLORUM. 

"16 May, 1631. Among those prominent at this period in colon- 
izing Virginia was Daniel Gookin"* of Carrigaline/" a few miles 
south of Cork, on the shores of Cork Harbor, Ireland. In 1621, he 
determined to begin a plantation in Virginia, near that of his 
friend Sir William Newce'^ and his brother Thomas Kewee." 

"Xote: Gookin in ISTovember, [1621] arrived at Newport News 
in the ship Flying Hart, Cornelius Johnson, a Dutchman, being 
master thereof, and established a plantation where he made a brave 
stand against the Indians the following March. [1622] Soon 
after the massacre Governor Wyatt and wife paid him a visit, and 
he returned to England in the ship, which brought news of the 
slaughter of more than three hundred of the settlers. In 1623, the 
ship "Providence" again brought more servants for his land, and 
he may have been a passenger, but after this time he does not ap- 
pear to have been a resident, for any long period. It is probable 
his son Daniel, attended to his affairs in Virginia, while he looked 
after his interests in England and Ireland. In a petition dated 
March 11, 1631, he mentioned that he has been 'for many years a 
great well wisher to new plantations, and planter and adven- 
turer in most of them' and asks for a grant of a certain island 
which he is credibly informed lies between the 50th and 65th 
degree of north latitude, named St. Brandon or Isle de Verd, about 
three leagues from the Blasques of Ireland." "... De Vries, the 
Dutch Captain, writes that on the 20th of March, 1633, he an- 

-*Neill. Virginia Carol., p. 81. "Note: He was the sou of John Gookin 
of Ripple Court, Kent County, England, and with his brother Sir Vin- 
cent, settled in Ireland; Vincent settled at Bandon, Cork County. 

'"' Another Carrigallen is put down in the Century Atlas in Leitrim 
in the north of Ireland. 

^^ Neill. Virg. Carol., p. 81. "Captain, afterwards Sir William Newce, 
laid out a suburb of Bandon called Newce's Town, and in 1613, was 
mayor of Bandon. He appointed marshall of Virginia, and in October, 
1622, arrived there at Newport News, and soon died." 



57 

chored at evening, before Newport Sniiw, where lived a gentle- 
man of the name of Goegen (Gookin).' "^^ 

"Note : The Governor and Council of Virginia under date of 
January, 1622, wrote to the London Company: 'There arrived 
here about the 22 of November, a shipp from Mr. Gookin out of 
Ireland wholly upoun his owne Adventure, without any returne 
at all to his contract w'th you in England, w'ch was soe well fur- 
nished with all sortes of p'visions as well as with Cattle as we 
could wyshe all men would follow theire example, hee hath also 
brought with him about 50 men upon that adventure, besides some 
30 other Passengers, we have accordinge to their desire sented [? 
seated] them at Newport's News, and we do conceive great hope 
yrff the Irish Plantation p'sper, yt from Ireland great multitude of 
people will be like to come hither. . . . Mr. Pountis hath had some 
conference with ye Mr. of the Irish shipp, a Dutchman, who is so 
far in love with this Countrey, as he intendeth to returne hith- 
er.' "'' 

«-Neill. Virg. Carol., pp. 82-83. 
'^ Neill. Virg. Carol, p. 82. 



58 



XIII. VIRGINIA AND VIRGINIOLA. 

"On the 19tli of December the vessels started down the Thames, 
but owing to the weather, did not sail from the Downs until the 
1st of January, 1606-7. Newport in command of the fleet, sailed 
in the 'Susan Constant,' a ship of one hundred tons, with seventy- 
one passengers. The zealous promoter of the project. Captain 
Bartholomew Gosnold, and fifty-two colonists in the 'Godspeed,' 
[Goodspeed] a small vessel of fifty tons; and Captain Eatcliffe, 
with twenty others, sailed in the 'Discovery,' a pinnace of only 
twenty tons burthen.'"'* "In the autumn of the year 1608 he 
[Newport] completed his third voyage'" to Jamestown bringing 
seventy passengers, among them Francis West, brother of Lord 
Delaware, Daniel Tucker, and Ealeigh Crashaw.™ For the fourth 
time he left England for JamestoAvn with Gates and Somers, but 
was wrecked at Bermudas, and did not arrive until the 23d of May, 
1610, at Jamestown. On November 8, 1610, Sir Thomas Smith, 
Sir Maurice Berkeley, Sir George Coffin and the distinguished law- 
yer Eichard Martyn, styled on his portrait "Praeco Virginiae ac 
Parens," attorney and founder of Virginia, entered a book at Sta- 
tioners' Hall, praising the soil and climate of Virginia, and con- 
fronting scandalous reports. When Sir Thomas Dale (in 1611) 
arrived at Jamestown he was much disappointed in the appear- 
ance of the country and prospects of the Colony; and the authori- 
ties of Virginia, in a communication to the London Company, 
stated that 'he pulled Captain Newport by the beard and threat- 
ened to hang him for that he affirmed Sir Thomas Smith's relation 
to be true, demanding of him whether it were meant that the people 
in Virginia should feed upon trees.' In the autumn of 1611 the 
ship Star, of 300 tons, fitted and prepared in England, with scup- 
per-holes^ to take in masts, sailed from Jamestown with forty fine 



^* H. D. Neill. Virginia and Virginiola, p. 4. 

^ H. D. Neill. Virginia and Virginiola, p. 14. 

^ Strackey, in Hakluyt Society Publications, Vol. VI, p. 132. He car- 
ried back on his return iron ore which was smelted and sold to the 
East India Company. 

^ Timber-ports in the bows. 



59 

and large pines. In this vessel Newport was probably a passenger. 
John Chamberlain, of London, on December 18, 1611, writes to Sir 
Dudley Carleton : 'jSTewport, the Admiral of Virginia is newly come 
home.' Soon after this he was appointed one of six Masters in the 
Koyal Navy, and was employed by the East India Company to 
carry Sir Eobert Sherley to Persia. He was then a married man, 
as that company allowed £24 to his wife during his absence. On 
the 13th of June, 1613, he was in the ship Expedition at Saldanha, 
on the coast of Africa. He returned to England in the summer 
of 1614, and was much commended by his employers for his ser- 
vice to Sir Eobert Sherley and the explorations of the Persian Gulf. 
Before making another voyage to the East Indies Newport re- 
quested a salary of £240, but the Company advised him to ^rest 
awhile,' and at length he accepted a salary of £120 a year; one 
half of what he desired. Captain Thomas Barwick was also em- 
ployed by the Company at this time, and a request of Captain Ar- 
gall was referred to Newport for consideration.^^ Before he left 
Gravesend in January, 1615, the East India Company raised his 
salary to £180 a year, with the understanding that he was not 
to trade upon his own account with the people of India, China and 
Japan. On the 16th of May, 1617, Newport was at Saldanha ready 
to sail for Bantam, on the isle of Java. In January, 1618, the 
ship Hope, Captain Newport, was cruising in Asiatic waters. He 
arrived in August at Bantam, and soon died there. He had but 
one child, named John."^* "At a meeting of the Virginia Com- 
pany, of London, held on the 17th of November, 1619, the fol- 
lowing minute was made : 'Wliereas, the Company hath formerly 
granted to Captain Newport a bill of adventure for 400 pounds, 
and his son now desiring order from this court for the laying out 
of some part of the same, Mr. Treasurer [Sir Edwin Sandys] was 
authorized to write to Sir George Yeardly and the Counsell of 
State for the effecting thereof.' The land selected was probably 
called Newport's News. Mrs Mary Tue, a daughter of Hugh 

^P. 15. 

^ He had two sons, Christopher, and John, and two daughters. 



60 

Crouch, did assign, in 1()22, one Imndrcd and fifty acres of lands 
at "Newport's News" to Daniel Gookin. Captain Thomas Bar- 
wick, who had heen in the same fleet with Newport in the P^ast 
Indies, in 1619, in a fight with the Hollanders near Bantam, gave 
up the ship Bear, says an old letter, either 'out of cowardliness 
or sincerity of religion.' Upon his return to England, in 1620, 
he was sent to Newgate and then to the Marshalsea." . . . "John 
0. Halliwell, whose painstaking research has thrown much light 
upon the writings of Shakespeare, discovered a poetical tract, 
'Newes from Virginia,' published in A. D. 1610, in the library of 
the Earl of Charlemont, in Dublin, and knowing of no other copy 
in existence, in 1865, he had twenty-five copies printed, of which 
fifteen were destroyed, and ten were distributed." (On August 16, 
1611, John Wright, bookseller, entered at Stationers' Hall 'A Bal- 
lad.' The last ncM's from Virginia, being an encouragement to all 
others to follow that nol)le enterprise,) As the earliest narrative 
which was ])uljlished of tlie wreck of the Sea Venture, upon the 
Island of Devel's, otherwise called Berraoothawes, it is of interest 
to the students of early English colonization of America.^" The 
writer, 1'. Eich, was one of those on board tlie Sea Venture, at the 
time of the wreck, and in a brief preface to the poem calls himself 
a 'soldier blunt and plain.' In the list of the adventurers of the 
Virginia Company appear the names of Sir Eobert Eich, who con- 
tributed seventy-five pounds, and one Eobert Eich, who paid twelve 
pounds and ten shillings. ... In 1619, Eich, now become the Earl 
of Warwick hired Captain Thomas Jones to go to A'irginia." . . . 
"The poem of Eich is of interest not only on account of its great 
rarit}'-, but also of its being the first printed account of the wreck 
of the Sea Venture. It was introduced to the reading public in a 
small quarto with the following title : Newes From Virginia. ! 
The Lost Flocke Triumphant; | With the happy Arrival of | that 
famous and worthy Knight Sr Thomas | Gates : and the well re- 
puted and valient | Captaine Mr. Christopher Newporte, and | 
others into England. With the manner of their distresse in the 
Hand | of Devils (other wise called Bermoothawes) | where they 

*'* See Rich's poem in Virginia and Virginiola, p. 17, et seq. 



61 

remayned 42 weekes, and | builded two Pynaces, in which | they 
returned into | Virginia. | By R. Ricli, Gent., one of the voyage. | 
London : Printed by Ewd. Allde, and are to be solde by John | 
Wright, at Christ-Church dore. 1610."" . . . ''To the Header: 
Are full eight hundred worthy men, some noble, all of fashion." 
. . . "From 'Early Settlement of Virginia and A'irginiola, as no- 
ticed by Poets and Players.' Rev. Edward D. Neill. A. B. 1878." 
"Captain Newport's Discoveries, Virginia, May 21 — June, 1607. 
A Relatyon of the Discovery of our Eiver, from James Forte into 
the Mayne; made by "Captain Christopher Newport, (a mariner 
well practiced for the western parts of America) and sincerely 
written and observed by a Gentleman of the Colony.*' 

"Captain Newport was one of the Council." . . . "May 21, 
[1607] Thursday, the 21st of May, Capt. Newport (having fitted 
our shallop with provision and all necessaryes belonging to a dis- 
covery) tooke five gentlemen, four maryners, and fourteen saylors; 
with whom he proceeded, with a perfect resolutyon not to returne, 
but either to finde the head of this ryver, the laake mentyoned by 
others heretofore, to sea againe, the mountaynes Apalatsi, or some 
issue. The Names of the dyscoverers are thes : — Capt. Christop. 
Newport. George Percye, Esq. Capt. Gabriell Archer. Capt. Jhon 
Smyth. Mr. Jhon Brooks. Mr. Tho. Wootton. Maryners Francis 
Nellson, John Collson, Robert Tyndall, Mathew Fytch. 1. Jonas 
Poole. 2. Robert Markham. 3. John Crookdeck. 4. Olyver Browne. 
5. Benjamin White. G. Rych. Genoway. 7. Tho. Turnbrydg. 
8. Tho. Godward. !). Robert Jackson. 10. Charles Clarke. 
11. Stephen [sic]. 12. Thomas Sk3^nner. 13. Jeremy Deale. 14. 
Danj^ell [sic]." 

". . . June 21. Sondaye. We had a communyon." "Capt. New- 
port dyned ashore with our dyet, and invyted many of us to supper 
as a farewell." . . . "Newport then sailed for England, and prob- 
ably carried this full and intersting journal with him." "Some of 
the earlier writers sa}^ Newport sailed on the 15 [June, 1607] ; but 
the date is clearly wrong." p. 21. 

■^Virginia and Virginiola, p. 17, p. 18, et seg. ... p. 23. 

*- The "Gentleman of the Colony" is supposed to be Gabriel Archer. 
Captain John Smith. Works, Arber's edition, pp. xl-xlv. 



62 

From Transactions of the American Antiquarian Society. VoL 
IV, 1861. 

"Popham Side, — north side of James Eiver. Salisbury Side — • 
south side." "Arahatec's Joye"; "Powhatan's Tower"; "Pa- 
maunche's Pallace." 



63 



XIV. RECORDS VIRGINIA CO. OF LONDON. 

London, Nov. 17, 1G19. "Wliereas the Company hath formerly 
graunted to Captaine Xewporte a bill of Adventure of fower hun- 
dred pounds, and his sonne*'' now desyringe order from this Courte 
for the layinge out some parte of the same, Mr Treasurer was en- 
treated and Autliorized by this general Assembly for to write to 
Sr George Yeardley and the Counsell of State for the affecting 
hereof."" 

"May 17, 1620. Deputy to governe the publique Land in Vir- 
ginia . . . Mr Thomas Nuce, touchinge whome it was agreed that 
hee should take charge of the Companies Land and Tennentes in 
Virginia whatsoever and for his entertaynmt have ordered that 
hee and such as shall succeed him shall in that place have 1200 
Acres of Land sett out belonging to that office, 600 att Kiquotan, 
now called Elizabeth Cittie 400 Acres at Charles Cittie, 100: att 
Henrico, att [ ? and] 100 : att James Cittie, and for the menaginge 
of this Land, have further agreed that hee shall have 40 : Ten- 
nentes to be placed ther vppon, whereof 20 to be sent presentlie 
and the other 20; in the 2 Springs ensuinge all w'ch beinge now 
putt to the question receaved a generall approbation of the Quarter 
Courte who gave also to Mr Nuce loOli towards ye furnishinge 
of himselfe out for that place"*"" 

June 23, 1620. . . . Sr Edwin Sandys farther moved that where- 
as itt is allredie agreed yt ye Gourm't of the Companies particularr 
Land is taken from Sr George Yeardly not that hee held him vnfitt 
for the menaginge therof butt by reason of his many other buisi- 
nisses, vnto w'ch place they have deputed Captaine Nuse agreeinge 
to send 20 men wth him presentlie for his owne benefit, and 20 
more herafter, . . . desyringe those that shall succeed him to send 

*^ John Newport. 

** The Records of the Virginia Company of London. The Court Book, 
from the Manuscript in the Library of Congress, 2 Vols. Washington. 
Government Printing Office, 1906. Vol. L, p. 274. 

^^ Records Virginia Company of London, Vol. I, p. 349. 



64 

no base men.""' "June 28, 1620. Vppon notice from Sr George 
Yeardley y't the Councellors in Virginia must needs be supplyed, 
the Court hath now chosen Mr. Thorpe, Mr. Nuse, Mr Pountus, 
Mr Tracy, Mr Dauid Middleton, and Mr Bluett to be of the 
Councell of Estate in Virginia.'"' . . . "Likewise the Councellors 
of Estate in Virginia propounded in the forenoone were againe by 
the erreccon of hands confirmed, namely Mr Thorpe, Mr ISTuce, Mr 
Tracy, Mr Pountus, Mr Middleton, Mr Bluett and to them was 
now added Mr Horwood*' the eheife of Martines Hundred.'" 

"April 12, 1621. Whereas Captaine William Newce out of a 
generous disposicion and desire to advance the generall Plantacion 
in Virginia (being induced herevnto by reason of a good successe 
he had in Ireland vpan the like worthy Action) hath freely offered 
vnto the Company to transport at his owne costes and charges 1000 
persons into Virginia betwixt this and midsomer, 1625: to be there 
planted and imployed vpon a perticular Plantacion : and intendeth 
to goe over himselfe in person, the better to direct and governe his 
owne people over whome he prayes, he may be appointed their Gen- 
erall and to that end desireth a Patent w'th that proporcion of land, 
and w'th such large and ample priviledges besides, as are usually 
srraunted to others in the like kind. And further aswell in con- 
sideration of the Chargebleness, of the enterprise he vndertakes, 
as also for his better encouragem't therevnto, he desireth the Com- 
pany would please graunt him the place of Marshal in Virginia, 
which office he effecteth the rather, because he hath ever been exer- 
cised in Military aif aires and Armes (as may appeare by his many 
worthy services performed in Ireland, well knowne to divers 
hono'ble : persons of this kingdome, who have testified the same 
sufficiently vpon their owne knowledge to his exceedinge great Com- 
mendacion) : And desires likewise that he may be allowed 50 : men 
to be placed as Tenants vpon the landes to be allotted vnto the said 
office Vch he vndertakes to transporte and furnish w'th apparell 
and necessary implementes for 81i: the person charge vnto the 

*'' Records Virginia Company of London, Vol. I, p. 371. 

*' Records Virginia Company of London, Vol. I, p. 379. 

^"The name Harwood used to be called Horrod; the a is very broad. 

*" Records Virginia Coinpany of London, Vol. I, p. 383. 



65 

Company (whereof the Moytie he desires present payment) w'ch 
persons beinge there arryved he will maintaine and vphoiild at his 
owne charge from tyme to tyme duringe his continuance in the 
said office : The Court havinge therefore duely considered of his 
proposicions (concerning w'ch the Counsell had also treated w'th 
him formerly) were pleased to giue order that a Patent should be 
drawne for him, as ample as any other, with all manner of privi- 
lidges, saving the Tytle of Generall, w'ch they could not graunt 
him, because it was a tytle properly belonging to the Gouernor only. 
And forasmuch as Captaine Newce hath given so large a testimony 
of his experience and skill in Marshall discipline wherein he hath 
been exercised and imployed a long tyme, vpon many services in 
Ireland, as allso in matters of fortification and other warlike ex- 
perimentes no whitt inferior to any (as hath been also testified) 
and for that he hath also promised to imploy his best endeavors and 
service, to the good of that Plantacion (w'ch is like to proue a mat- 
ter of great consequence vnto it) in consideracion whereof allthough 
there be no present necessity or vse of such an officer in Virginia ( in 
reguard of the perpetuall league lately made betweene the Gou- 
ernor there and the Indyan Kinge) yet to gratifie his worthy vnder- 
takinge the Company are pleased to grant him the said place of 
Marshall, w'th 50 men to be his Tenantes.'""' 

"April 30, 1621. Whereas it hath been taken into consideration 
howe importantly necessary it is to establish two such officers in 
Virginia as Marshall and Treasurer whereby the one might take 
into his care and charge aswell the fortificacon Armes and forces 
of the Colony there, and to cause the people to be duely trayned vp in 
military services and in the use of Armes, and so from time to time 
mayntaine the greatest strength that may be against all forraigne 
invasions, . . . And for asmuch as Captaine William Newce hath 
been specially recommended vnto this Company by divers hono'ble : 
persons of this Kingdome the said office and service of Marshall as 
having ever been exercised in military affaires and Armes :^^ . . . 
And first for the place of Marshall the said Committees have allotted 

^"Records Virginia Company of London, Vol. I, pp. 446-447. 
" Records Virginia Co. of London, Vol. I, p. 453. 



6Q 

1500: acres of land to be appropriated to that office forever;'^' And 
the number of 50 : persons to be placed as Tenants vpon the said 
landes which the said Captain William Newce hath vndertaken w'th 
one yeare after his arrivall in Virginia to procure and place vpon 
the said landes well furnished w'th all thinges necessary for the 
cultivatinge thereof and the same number to maintaine and keepe, 
and so to leave to his successor. In consideracion whereof they 
have agreed to pay vnto him the said Captaine Newce SOOli: in 
hand at the sealing of his Commission for that place and other 
SOOli : towards the discharge of his shipping and Marriners wages 
vpon their returne from Virginia, or in default thereof vpon Cer- 
tificate of the landing of his people in Virginia."^ . . . And con- 
cerning Captain Thomas Newce (the Companies deputy in Vir- 
ginia) aswell in discharge of a former promise made vnto him as 
also to thend his reward might be no lesse then others whose paines 
and desertes they doubted not but he would equall they have agreed 
to add 10: persons more (when the Comp: shalbe able) to make up 
his former number 50." The Committee thought meete also, that 
for all officers thus settled, the same priviledges (graunted vnto 
the said Captaine Thomas jSTewce deputy) should in like sort be 
given vizt: that whosoever for their sakes should bringe in any ad- 
venture of 12li 10s: the money so brought in, might be imployed 
for encreasing the numbers of men belonging to their places and 
likewise the hallf of all such old debtes due vnto the Company vpon 
subscription that shall be procured and brought in, by their 
meanes."^° 

". . . The Court vpon like request passed these other shares fol- 
lowing vizt : . . . 3 shares from Mr Downes to Mr. John Smith. . . . 
Mr Capps having put a peticon to the Counsell and Committees at 
their last meeting, for satisfaccon of Certaine land w'ch he said 

^- The land was attached to the office, and not to the holder of the 
office. 

^ Captain William Newce was present, in London, at the meeting of 
a Praeparatiue Court for Virginia, 30 Aprilis, 1621. Records Virginia 
Co. of London, Vol. I, p. 453. 

'^Records Virginia Co. of London, Vol. I, p. 454. 

^^ Records Virginia Co. of London, Vol. I, pp. 454-455. 



67 

was taken^^ from him by the Gouernor : in Virginia at the arrivall 
of Captaine Newce [ ? Thomas] because the said land fell in that 
parte where the Companie had appointed and ordered there land 
should be sett out: The Counsell and Committees thought it not 
fitt vpon his report to make any such satisfaccion but to leave 
the matter to be fully examined by the Newe Governor : and therein 
they promised Justice and equity.^' . . . The Patent of Captaine 
Newce [ ? William] likewise reade and recommended.""' Capt. 
Wm Newce was present "At a Great and Generall Quarter Court 
held for Virginia on Wednesday the second of May, 1621 :"^ . . . 
"The patente to Captain Willm Newce being read and approved of 
by the Preparative Court, and nowe put to the question was con- 
firmed and ordered to be sealed." [May 2, 1621.]'"' "It being moved 
that two such eminent officers as the Marshall [Captain William 
ISTewce] and Treasurer wherevnto so worthy Gentlemen are now 
elected might be admitted both of his Ma'ts : Counsell here as also 
of the Counsell of State in Virginia. The Court conceaved it very 
fitt and ordered vnto them both accordingly""^ "Comittees to treat 
with Mr John Berkly about the Iron Workes . . . Capt W'm: 
Newce, Mr. lohn Smith. . . . The said Committee are likewise de- 
sired to drawe vp a Commission for Captain William Newce [Cap- 
tain Newse in margin] for the office of Marshall of Virginia to be 
ready for the Seale against the next Court, vnto w'ch authority is 
given by this Quarter Court [May 2, 1621] to applie the Seale vnto 
the said Commission being once approved.""'' May 23, 1621. "Mr 
John Smith acquainted the Company that there was a Gentleman of 
good Account and sufficiency whome he could name who would 
vndertake to procure and transport to Virginia at an easie rate (if 
so the Company please) a good number of men and maydes able 
to do them good service there to plant and to be imployed to ye 

^ Records Virginia Co. of London, Vol. I, p. 460. 
" Records Virginia Co. of London, Vol. I, p. 461. 
^Records Virginia Co. of London, Vol. I, p. 462. 
^Records Virginia Co. of London, Vol. I, p. 463. 
^"Records Virginia Co. of London, Vol. I, p. 466. 
" Records Virginia Co. of London, Vol. 1, p. 468. 
•^ Records Virginia Co. of London, Vol. I, p. 472. 



68 

Companies behoofo w'ch offer tlie Court did very well approve as de- 
serving thankes but findinge themsellves vnable in Cash to go 
through witli so great a charge, thought fitt to respite the same till 
they might have better meanes to per forme it.""* . . . "June 11, 
1621. Sr Edwyn Sandis signified that some of the Counsell had 
met at my Lo: of Southampton's howse, had conference of many 
howers together, about waightie buissinesses concerning Virginia: 
M'here they first tooke into tlicir consideratibn the establishing of 
the Counsell of State there as likewise concerning the Gouernor: 
and Secretary : whose Commissions continuing but for three yeares 
in certaine, did both expire in Novemb : next. In supply of the 
first they have allready made choyse of a worthy gentleman to be 
their Gouernor : namely Sr ffrauncis Wyate who was shortly to sett 
out to Virginia and to take his place at the expiration of Sr Geo: 
Yeardlyes Commission and not before : It was allso well knowne 
vnto them the choyse that had been made of two N^ewe officers 
namely of Mr George Sandys to be Treasuror of Virginia : and Sr 
William Newce to be their Marshall.'"'"' "June 11, 1621. Sr Edwin 
Sandys further signified that it was then allso taken into considera- 
tion and thought fitt that the Counsell of State in Virginia should 
assemble fower times a yeare each Quarter once for one wholl weeke 
together to advise and consult vppon matter of Counsell and of 
State and of the generall affaires of the Colony and as there shalbe 
cause to order and determine the greater matters of controversie 
growinge and arysinge betweene the Plantations their beinge now 
added a good nomber of new Counsellors to the former, namely. Mr 
Thorpe. Mr Tho: Newce. Mr. Pountis .Mr Tracye. Mr Dauid Mid- 
dleton. Mr Bluett. Mr Horwood. And now of late Mr William 
Newce, Mr George Sandys, and Mr Oulsworth.""" . . . "Itt was 
moved y't for soe much as his Ma'ty: had bestowed the honour of 
Knighthood vppon Sr William Nuce whome his Ma'ty was pleased 
to call his Knight Marshall of Virginia and hopeth to have a better 
Accompt of his doings then he hath had of others hetherto that hee 

"''Records Virginia Co. of London, Vol. I, p. 477. 
"Records Virginia Co. of London, Vol. I, p. 478. 
"^Records Virginia Co. of London, Vol. I, p. 479. 



69 

mifflit have a new Patent w'th that addicion of honor which his 
Ma'ty: had given him w'ch was graunted.'""' "July 2, 1621. Mr 
Deputy signified of a letter hee had receaved from Mr Gookin in 
Ireland. . . . And lastly y't accordinge to Mr Gookins request in 
his said letter they had promised y't hee should have a Pattent for 
a particular r Plantacion as large as that graunted to Sr William 
Newce.'"*' "July 10,^1621. Vppon the humble peticion of Mrs 
Newporte widdowe, the Court ordered that Sr Frauncis Wyat thelect 
Gouernor and the rest of the Counsell of State of Virginia should 
be treated to sett out 32 shares of Land in A^irginia heretofore be- 
stowed vppon Capt. Christo : Xewporte her late husband deceased 
in reward of his service with an addicion of three wholl Shares for 
the persons of 6 men transported at her charge in the Jonathan 
Anno., 1G19 [It should be noted that Mrs Newport had sent men 
to Virginia two or three years before the grant] in any place not 
already disposed of w'ch is commended to the care of Captain 
Hamer to see itt done accordinge to Mrs Xewportes desire."^* "3 
July, 1622. ^Irs Mary Tue Daughter of Hugh Crouch beinge the 
heire and Executrix of Lieutenant Richard Crouch did sett and 
assigne oner in this Court 150 Acres of land, w'ch he said Leui- 
tenant Crouch did bequeath unto her by the name of Mary Younge 
his Sister w'ch land was for three Servantes personal Aduentures, 
and lyes at Newports Newes, the said land Shee assigned ouer to 
Mr Daniell Gookin.'"^ "July 3, 1622. Mrs Mary Tues assignement 
of 150 acres personal Shares (bequeathed vnto her by Leiutenant 
Crouch) lyinge at Newport Newes w'ch Shee nowe passed ouer vnto 
Mr Daniell Gookin was conlirmed.'" "October 7, 1622. Mr Wm. Caps 
an auncient Planter in Virginia in his peticion made 3 requestes 
vnto the Companie : 1 : That Sr W'm Newce might be required to 
deliver him the five ilen for whose transportation he paid him 301i 
here in Towne. . . . Wherevpon it was ordered that it should be 
certified that the Companie had bestowed on the Petitioner 30li 

»" Records Virginia Co. of London, Vol. I, pp. 482-483. 
^ Records Virginia Co. of London, Vol. I, pp. 501-502. 
"* Records Virginia Co. of London, Vol. I, p. 509. 
""Records Virginia Co. of London, Vol. II, p. 74. 
™ Records Virginia Co. of London, Vol. II, p. 89. 



70 

w"ch Mr lo. ffarrar testified to liaue bin paid to Sr W'm Xewce to 
the intent expressed (vizt) for the transportacion of those fiue 
men w'ch they doubt not he will performe.'' "February 4, 1623. 
Mr. lo : Smith said hauinges spent vpon Virginia a verie great mat- 
ter, he did by Godes blessinge hope to receave this yeare a good 
quantity of Tobacco w'ch he would not willingly haue come vnder 
the handes of them that would performe the buissiness for loue 
and not vpon a good and competent Salary, and his opinion was, 
the imployment of these Casheires would be so great as they should 
be enforced to keepe Servantes vnder them, for from them must 
come the Instruccions to sue out Processe, Billes, Informacions, 
Declarations, etc." "February 12, 1623. Some of the Summer 
Ilande Court, said that although they were members of the Virginia 
Companie yet hauinge there no other Adventures than their land 
and lookinge for no goodes they would not meddle one way or other 
therein as members of the Virginia Companie, for since the Salaries 
Avas to be raised vpon the goodes they did not thinke itt fitt to medle 
with imposinge any charge, whereof themselues should not beare a 
part, wherefore as in a Virginia Court they would say nothinge but 
in a Summer Ilande Court, in which Plantacion they were verie 
deeply engaged they would declare themselves freely.'"" . . . "And 
it was further alledged that the land in Virginia beinge held in free 
Soccage it could not by the lawes of the Eealme be forbidden, but 
a man might sell and put ouer his land to whome he pleased, and 
therefore the Companie could not deny to admitt any man [to the 
freedom of the Company.]'* "March 7, 1623. . . . The Commodi- 
ties in Virginia had three seuerall sortes of Owners vizt first the 
Companie, Secondly particular Hundredes belonging to Adventurers 
here [that is, in London.] Thirdly priuate Planters there residinge, 
ouer w'ch two later sortes the Companie had noe power at all to 
restraine them by lawe, and diuers of them hauinge Shippes of 
their owne, it was not in the Companies power to prevent them to 

" Record Virginia Co. of London, Vol. II, p. 105. 
"Records Virginia Co. of London, Vol. II, p. 233. 
"Records Virginia Co. of London, Vol. II, p. 267. 
^* Records Virginia Co. of London, Vol. II, p. 276. 



71 

carry their goodes whither they please/"" ". . . The Companies for 
Virginia and the Summer Hands . . . Yo'r lordships may be pleased 
to be aduertised that the Companies by expresse wordes in his Ma'ts 
Letters Patents are equalled in their priuiledges and immunities 
to any other Companie or Corporacion for trade or discovery and it 
is well knowne that both the Muscouy and sundrie other Companies 
haue alwaies injoyed the liberty of carryinge their Commodities to 
the best marketes at their pleasures and haue vsed the same ac- 
cordingly. Thirdly the Companies haue graunted diuers Sub- 
patentes with the same liberties and priuilidges as they them- 
selves enioye whereby the Patentees have bin induced to goe ouer 
in person to those Plantations (sundrie of them beinge of noble 
and worthie tfamilies) and to expend some of them great Sommes 
and others their whole estates in the said Plantations And it 
is not nowe in the Companies power to revoake or restraine their 
former Graunts.™ . . . "April 30, 1623. As for Boggs wee knowe 
of none in all ye Country and for the rest of the Plantacions as 
Newports News, Blunt poynt."" . . . "April 30, 1633. And three 
peeces mounted at Kiccoutan and all of them serviceable, there are 
likewise att Newporte Xewes three all of them serviceable."" . . . 
"May 7, 1633. 'Lett me tell you air at home this one thinge.' "" 
"May 13, 1633. Mr. lohn Newport moued that whereas Cap't 
Christopher Newport had vnder the scale of ye Counsell foure 
hundred pounds allowed him for his Adventure in Shares of Land 
to ye nomber of Thirty two shares, that the said shares might be 
confirmed vnto him, being his only sonne and heire, as also such 
Personall shares as are due vnto him for ye transport of men 
heretofore, as that hereafter he shall transport at his owne charge. 
W'ch request the Court hath graunted vnto him : and to this pur- 
pose there being a draft of a Patent presented & read; the same 
was approued and ordered to be engrossed against the Quarter 

'» Records Virginia Co. of London, Vol. II, p. 323. 
■'"Records Virginia Co. of London, Vol. II, pp. 325-326. 
" Records Virginia Co. of London, Vol. II, p. 381. 
"Records Virginia Co. of London, Vol. II, p. 383. 
" "You all" is idiomatic in Virginia, and still in use. 
*" Records Virginia Co. of London, Vol. II, p. 399. 



72 

Court.'"' "A Virginia Quarter Courte the 14 of May, 1623. . . . 
AUso a Confirmation of 32 Shares to Mr Ino Newport Discended 
vnto him by the death of his ff'ather Cap't Christopher Newport, 
w'ch confirmation beinge read and approved in ye Preparative 
Court as allso in tlie morninge by the Committee was now putt 
to the question and ordered to be sealled.'"'' . . . "June 18, 1623. 
That such as goe in person or shall otherwise transport anie Pas- 
sengers thither doe provide and carry with them such a due pro- 
porcon of Victuall and other necessaries as are particularly sett 
downe in the printed Bill w'ch the Company haue hertofore pub- 
lished."** "June 23, 1623. A mocion was made in the behalfe of 
Cap't Bargraue that aswell in reguard to his longe attendance and 
sufficiencie as also for that hee had spent a good part of his estate 
to advance the Plantacion in Virginia hee might therfore haue 
that favour afforded him as to succeed Sr William Nuce deceased 
in the place of Marshall of Virginia, w'ch mocion and request the 
Courte thought fitt to referr to the further Consideration of the 
Counsell."^ . . . "Sr lohn Danuers mouvinge the Court in the be- 
halfe of Mrs Nuice late wife of Deputy Nuice deceased in Vir- 
ginia touchinge his request into the Companie.'"^ "August 6, 
1623. Sr John Danuers acquainted the Court that he had re- 
ceaued from Mrs Nuice the late wife of Deputy Nuice deceased 
wherein shee requested that the Companie in tender regard of 
her great losse by the late Death of her said Husband (beinge 
nowe left Desolate and comfortles in a straunge Country farr 
from all her frendes) therefore would please to graunt her fauor 
that shee might still enioy the moytie of those Tenantes labors 
that belonge to her Husbandes place w'ch if he had lined had of 
right bin Due vnto him vntill such time as they shall Dispose of 
the said place : Mr Deputie also signified that Mr Pountys in his 
letter to him comendinge much the Gentlewomans good carriage 
and charity to diners in that Countrie, did Av'th much earnestnes 

^ Records Virginia Co. of London, Vol. II, p. 421. 
"" Records Virginia Co. of London, Vol. II, pp. 428-429. 
^^ Records Virginia Co. of London, Vol. II, p. 440. 
^ Records Virginia of London, Vol. II, p. 448. 
*^ Records Virginia of London, Vol. II, p. 456. 



73 

desire the same fauor of the Companie in her behalfe : "Wlierevpon 
the Court takinge it into their eonsideracion conceaued her re- 
quest to be verie reasonable and did tlierefore generally agree it 
should accordingly be remembered in the generall letter to the 
Counsell there. W'ch beinge inserted therein the said letter was 
read and beinge approued was ordered to be signed by Mr Deputy 
and witnessed by the Secretary in the name of the Companie and 
so sent by the Hopewell now ready to Depart for Virginia."** "No- 
vember 12, 1623. Mr Deputie acquainted the Court with two 
thinges, first with the good newes^ that was come from Virginia 
by the Shipps lately returned . . . w'ch newes is also confirmed 
by diuers that come home in the said Shipps.'"^ "November 12, 
1623. Mr. lohn ffarrar moued that whereas the Companie had 
out of their loue & approbacion of his seruice bestowed vpon him 
20 great shares It would nowe please the Court to confirme them 
vnto him in the next Quarter Court vnder their Seale. And 

whereas likewise there was due vnto him shares of land for 

about 40 persons sent, those personall shares might be reduced 
vnto great shares vizt euery two persons to make one great share 
[100 acres] of old Adventure.'"' "November 17, 1623. . . . And 
so ended their letter, whereat the Companie did much reioyce 
praisinge God for soe good newes.""" "November 19, 1623. Mr. 
Deputie made knowne to the Court that since May last there haue 
gone to Virginia ffourteen saile of Shipps most of them laden w'th 
Provisions wherein haue been transported about the number of 340 
personns, as more partieularlie appeares by the note hee then pre- 
sented and read w'ch is here inserted." "A note of ye shippinge 
men and Prouisions sent and prouided for Virginia by ye Eight 
Hono'ble : Hen : Ea : of Southampton and ye Comp'a & other pri- 
uate Aduenturers since May last, 1623, vnto this 19th of No- 
vember — 1623." ... In all 14: Sayle of Ships with sundry Pro- 

** Records Virginia Co. of London, Vol. II, p. 466. 
" The word "newes'' was often used in connexion with the early his- 
tory of Virginia. 

*^ Records Virginia Co. of London, Vol. II, p. 478. 
*» Record Virginia Co. of London, Vol. II, p. 480. 
»» Records Virginia Co. of London, Vol. II, p. 483. 



74 

uisions and with 340 Persons" . . . "No. 6 : Mr Gookin Ship — 
080: Timns ... 7 Shipps."" "February 2, 1624. Mr Garrett 
Weston petitioninge the Court for 300 : Acres of Land whereoff 
100: is Due vppon his bill of Adventure of 121i: 10s: OOd: paid 
into the Companies Treasurie and the rest for the transport of 
fower servants att his charge. The Court hath ordered that if 
itt shall appeare by the husbands booke that hee paid for the 
Transport of soe many persons he shall together with the share 
of Land due him for the said Adventure haue the aforesaide per- 
sonall shares allowed him."* 

The last Court was held "on Munday in the Afternoone the 7th 
of Ivne, 1G24." The Company was dissolved by the King, 
James I. 

"Records Virginia Co. of London, Vol. II, p. 496. 
* Records Virginia Co. of London, Vol. II, 5. 511. 



75 



XV. RECORDS VIRGINIA COMPANY OF LONDON. 



Persons present at meetings of the Court of the Virginia Com- 
pany, London, Vol, I. 



Persons present: 

Mr John 

March 15, 1619-1620 Smith. 

March 29, 1619-1620 

April 3, 1620 

April 8, 1620 

May 17, 1620 do. 

May 31, 1620 do. 

June 28, 1620 do. 

July 18, 1620 do. 

Nov. 13, 1620 do. 

Nov. 15, 1620 do. 

Jan. 29, 1620 

April 12, 1621 do. 

April 30, 1621 

May 2, 1621.... 3 committees do. 

May 12, 1621 do. 

June 13, 1621 2 com'ts do. 

July 2, 1621 do. 

July 16, 1621 

11 

Persons present: 

Mr John Smith 

Oct. 22, 1621 

Oct. 24, 1621 do. 

Oct. 31, 1621 

Nov. 14, 1621 do. 

Nov. 19, 1621 

Nov. 21, 1621 do. 

Dec. 4, 1621 

Dec. 19, 1621 do. 

Jan'y. 30, 1622 do. 

Feb. 27, 1622 

Mar. 13, 1622 do. 

Mar. 13, 1622 (com't) do. 

Mar. 27, 1622 do. 



Mr 


Capt. 


Capt. 


wporte 


. Nuse [T]. 


W. Newce 


do. 






do. 








do. 








do. 


do. 
do. 






do. 








do. 








do. 


do. 










do. 






do. 


do. 




do. 


do. 









Mr Newporte 
do. 

do. 

do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 



Capt.Wm. Newce 



76 



April 10, 1622 do. 

May 8, 1622 

May 20, 1622, Vol II do. 

May 22, 1622 do. 

June 5, 1622 do. 

June 19, 1622 

July 1, 1622 do. 

13 

Persons present: 

Capt. Jo: Smith 

July 3, 1622 do. 

July 17, 1622 (com't) do. 

Oct. 7, 1622 

Oct. 23, 1622 do. 

Nov. 6, 1622 do. 

Nov. 13, 1622 do. 

Nov. 18, 1622 

Nov. 20, 1622 do. 

Nov. 22, 1622 do. 

Nov. 27, 1622 do. 

Jany. 29, 1623 do. 

Feby. 3, 1623 do. 

Feby. 4, 1623 (com't) do. 

Feby. 5, 1623 do. 

Feby. 12, 1623 do. 

Feby. 19, 1623 do. 

Feby. 22, 1623 do. 

Mar. 19^ 1623 

April 2, 1623 

April 12, 1623 (com.) do. 

16 

Persons present: 

Capt. Jo: Smith. 

April 17, 1623 do. 

April 23, 1623 do. 

April 25, 1623 

April 30. 1623 

May 7, 1623 do. 

May 12, 1623 do. 

May 14, 1623 

May 17, 1623 

June 9, 1623 do. 



do. 




do. 




do. 


D. Gookin 




do. 


do. 


do. 


15 


2 



Mr Newporte Daniel Gookin 



do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 

do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 

do. 
do. 



do 
do 
do, 



do 



do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 

15 4 

Mr Newporte Mr Daniel Gookin 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. do, 

do. 

do. 



77 



June 13, 1623 
June 25, 1623 
July 1, 1623 . . 
July 4, 1623 
July 9, 1623 
Aug. 6, 1623 
Nov. 12, 1623 
Nov. 17, 1623 
Nov. 19, 1623 
Jan'y. 14, 1624 



(com't.) 



do. 



do. 



do. 



do. 
do. 



10 

Mr Jo: Smith. 

Feb'y. 2, 1624 

Feb'y. 4, 1624 do. 

Apl. 21, 1624 

Apl. 26, 1624 

Apl. 28, 1624 do. 

June 7, 1624 



do. 
do. 
do. 

do. 

do. 
do. 

do. 

16 1 

Mr Newporte. Mr Daniel Gookin 
do. 
do. 

do. 
do. 
do. 

do. do. 



2 6 1 

June 7, 1634, was the last Court held. 

There were several Smiths — George, Eobert, and others — at- 
tending the Courts; but in the above list Captain John Smith is 
not noted as present except when the name is "lo : Smith" ; "lohn 
Smith"; "Mr lo: Smith"; or "Captaine lo: Smith." In the 
above list only the persons nearly connected with the early settling 
of Virginia, and the naming of "Newport's News" are noticed. 

Samuel Purchas, writer of Purchas His Pilgrimes, occasionally 
attended the meetings of the Court. George Nuce was at a Court. 
And at Elizabeth City on February 16, 1623. 

Examination of the Eecords of the Virginia Company of Lon- 
don, the Court Book, 2 Vols., Washington, D. C, 1906, will show 
that beginning with 28 Aprile, 1619, to the 7th of June, 1624, 
there were 159 meetings of the Court. Captain lo: Smith"^ was 
present at 50 meetings; [John] Newporte'* present at 60 meet- 
ings ; Thomas Nuse, at 3 ; W. Newce,'* at 3 ; and Daniell Gookin** 
at 7. 

^^ Smith, first meeting Mar. 15, 1619; last, April 28, 1624. 
*" Newporte, first meeting Mar. 29, 1619; last, June 7, 1624. 
"Wm. Newce, first meeting May 2, 1621; last, June 13, 1621. 
•^Gookin, first meeting June 19, 1622; last, June 7, 1624. 



78 

Gookin on November 22, 1621, arrived in Virginia and settled 
at Newport's News.°* 

"Mr Eawleigh, [Carew, born in 1604.] son of Sir Walter Eal- 
eigh, admitted into the freedom of the Company, at the Court of 
April 12, 1623, in reguard his father was the first discoverer of 
Virginia"; and frequently attended the meetings,"' 

It is difiicult to realize that the tradition of the naming of New- 
port's News that has at least the support of reasonable probability 
should be dismissed to make way for another legend started at 
least two hundred and fifty years later, 

"'Neill, E. D. Virginia Co. of Lond., p. 196. 
•'Records Virginia Co. of London, Vol. II, p. 362. 



79 



XVI. STRACHEY HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 

"Letter from Lord Delawarr, Governor of Virginia, to the 
Patentees in England. 1610. Sir Thomas Gates entered into con- 
sultation with Sir George Sumers and Capt. Newporte, calling 
unto the same the gentlemen and counsaile of the former gov- 
ernment, entreating both the one and the other to advise him, 
what was to be don: . . . This consultation taking effect the 7th 
of June [1610] Sir Thomas Gates having appointed to every pin- 
nass his complement and number, and delivered likewise there- 
unto a proportionable rate of provision, caused every man to re- 
paire aboard; and because he would preserve the towne (albeit 
now to be quitted) unburned, ... he sett sayle, and that night, 
with the tide, fell down to an island in the river, which our 
people here call Hogg Island; and the next morning the tide 
brought them to an island which they have called Mulberry Island, 
at which time they discovered my long boat. For I, having under- 
stood of the resolution by the aforesaid pinnas, which was some 
4 or 5 days come away before, to prepare those at Pointe Com- 
forte, with all expedition I caused the same to be man'd, and in 
it, with the newes"' of our arrivall, dispatched my letters by Cap- 
taine Brewister to Sir Thomas Gates, which meeting to [gether] 
before the aforesaid Mulberry Island, the 8th. of June aforesaid, 
upon the receipt of our letters, Sir Thomas Gates bore up the helm 
againe, and that night (the wind favourable) re-landed all his 
men at the forte." James Towne, July 17th, 1610. 

Tho Lawarre. Tho. Gates. Ferd. Wenman. 
George Percy. William Strachey.*" 

"1614 was sent to New England, reaching Manhegin Island 
on the 30th of April. . . . When Captain Smith returned to Eng- 
land, he left one of his ships behind, with instructions to the 

^' Here is the same combination of words in the same connexion. 
®« The Historie of Travaile into Virginia Britannia; William Strachey, 
Gent. London, 1849, pp. xxiii-xxxvi. 



80 

master, whose name was Thomas Hunt, to sail for Malaga when 
he had laden his vessel with fish that he might catch on the coast. 
This 'wicket varlet,' as Hubbard rightly calls him, kidnapped 
twenty-four of the natives, whom he carried to Malaga and sold 
as slaves."^ Five years before negro slaves were sold in Virginia. 

^ Strachey, p. xvii. 



81 



XVII. HISTORICAL MSS. COMMISSION. 

"Early in 1633 Sir George Sandys (who was treasurer in Vir- 
ginia when Sir E. Sandys was treasurer or governor in England) 
wrote a letter [below] describing the arrival of Sir William ISTuce 
in the previous October. He came 'with a very few of weak and 
unserviceable people, ragged, and with not above a fortnight's pro- 
vision, some bound for three years, a few for five, and most upon 
wases.' After his death eleven men were all that remained for 
the Company, and those, says George Sandys, "I was for want 
of provisions, enforced to sell." The price was not paid in money 
but in tobacco, and 2 cwt. per man was all that they would fetch, 
unless credit was allowed to the purchaser. Four men were placed 
on Sandy's own plantation, but two of them ran away (to the In- 
"dians he believed), and the other two would have followed "if 
sickness had not faltered them." Sandys also considered himself 
much aggrieved because Sir W. ISTuce had brought him, instead of 
certain five men he expected, only two little boys "hardly worth 
their victuals," and one of them was a page "dead before de- 
livered.'" "March, 1623. Copy of a letter from George Sandys, 
sent (according to endorsement) to Mr. Farrer, by the 'Hopewell.' 
Sir William Nuce had arrived about the beginning of October 
[1622] "with a very few weak and unserviceable people, ragged, 
and with not above a fortnight's provisons, some bound for three 
years, a few for 5, and the most upon wages." After his death 
[ ] 11 men were all that remained for the Company, and 

those "for want of provision, was enforced to sell." Three were 
sold to Capt. Wilcocks for 6 cwt, of tobacco, two to Capt. Smyth 
for 4 cwt., and one to Capt. Tucker for 1 cwt. in hand, 2 cwt. the 
next crop, and one to Capt. Croshaw for 2 cwt. Four were sent to 
the writers own plantation, but two of them ran away (to the 
Indians he feared), and the other two would have done likewise 
"if sickness had not fettered them." For the five which Sir W. 
Nuce should have delivered to him he was glad to have a page 

'Hist. MSS. Com. Append. (Part II) to 8th Report, p. 6, col. a. 



82 

"(dead before delivered) and one other little boy hardly worth 
their victuals." There was a little tobacco left which the maga- 
zine had not received or the merchants and seamen not gleaned 
for their sacks and strong waters." Sir George Yeardley would 
pay the overplus for those which he had reserved for himself, and 
had behaved very nobly in the service of the country though he 
had lost two-thirds of his estate.'"" . . . "1592, Sept. 29. These 
captains were present the night the Carrack was taken : . . . Cap- 
tain Newport of the Golden Dragon.* 

"Eobert Rich, the second Earl of AVarwicke, took a very promi- 
nent part in the colonization of Virginia and Bermuda. Sir Na- 
thaniel Eich was also one of the chief holders of shares in both 
enterprises, and his brother Eobert not only^held shares, but him- 
self became one of the colonists.^ . . . 1619. The two hostile fac- 
tions: the chief leaders on one side were the Earl of Warwick, Sir 
Nathaniel Eich, and Alderman Johnson; and on the other side 
the Earl of Southampton, Lord Cavendish, and Sir Edward Sack- 
ville. One party [ ? the first] had supported Sir Thomas Smith, 
who had been Governor or Treasurer of the Company for the 
previous twelve years, the other Sir Edwin Sandys, who was elected 
his successor.* . . . [1620 ? March ?] The ships despatched be- 
tween August, 1620, and February, 1620-'21 were the Bona Nova, 
the Elizabeth, the May Flower, the Supplie, of Bristow, the Mar- 
garet and John, and the Abigail, with (in the aggregate) 600 
persons. Preparations were made to "transport the Governor, 
Treasurer and Marshal of Virginia with their companies, together 
with other private plantations to the number of 400 persons." 
There were "sent and in sending" 500 persons "for public uses, 
for the increase of the number of the Company's tenants, and for 
the maintenance of ofRces, whereof besides the new Governor, 
"there are six principal sent & chosen." To Sir George Thorpe, 
the "Deputy of the College land," belonged 10 tenants; to Capt. 

^Hist. MSS. Com. Append. (Part II) to 8th Report, p. 39, col. a. 
* Calendar of the MSS. of the Marquis of Salisbury. Hatfield House. 
Part iv, p. 233. London, 1892. 
^Hist. MSS. Com., 8th Report, Append., Part II, p. 3a. 
" Hist. MSS. Com. 8th Rep., Append. Part II, p. 4, col. b. 



83 

Thomas Nuce, Deputy for the Company's land, 50; to the place 
of the Secretary of State, 20; to Dr Bohun, physician to the col- 
ony, 20; to George Sands, Treasurer of Virginia, 20; and to Capt. 
William Nuce, as Marshal of Virginia, 50/ . . ." 1623, April. Mr. 
Gookin, at whose plantation the Governor [Sir Francis Wyatt], 
and his wife were staying, had but seven men left; it was unsafe 
to go out to labour without an armed guard.* , . . Mar. 2. "It was 
believed that Capt. Newce had died heartbroken from the loss of 
his people."^ 

^Hist. MSS. Com. 8th Report, Append., Part II, p. 37, col b. 
^ Hist. MSS. Com. 8th Report, Append., Part II, p. 41, col. a. 
*Hist. MSS. Com. 8th Report, Append., Part II, p. 41, col. b. 



84 



XVIII. ALEXANDER BROWN— GENESIS OF THE UNITED 

STATES. 

1592. January 25, Captain Christopher i^ewport sailed from 
England with three ships and a pinnasse for the West Indies, 
where 'he took and spoyled Yguana and Ocoa in Hispaniola and 
Truxillo, besides other prizes.^" . . . July 28, Sir John Borough, 
being then near the Azores, entered into an agreement with Cap- 
tain jSTewport 'to be partakers in lawfull pryses,' and on the 3d of 
August their vessels, together with the vessels of the Earl of Cum- 
berland, captured the Great Carrack, the Madre de Dios, and Cap- 
tain Newport was placed in her as captain and carried her to Dart- 
mouth, where he arrived September 7, 1592." Edwards, in his 
"Life of Ealeigh," says : The capture of the Great Carrack of 
1592, and the proceedings which ensued in relation to the parti- 
tion of her spoils, have an interest Avhich extends far beyond the 
mere occurrence itself. It was in one sense the most brilliant feat 
of privateering ever accomplished by Englishmen, even in the 
days of Queen Elizabeth. It w^as a piece of mercantile enterprize, — 
pregnant with results, — and the history of which throws light, 
alike on some curious points connected both with our admiralty 
law and with the growth of our commerce and colonies.* 

Instructions. "Whereas the good ship Sarah Constant and the 
ship called the Goodsjjeed,'^ with a pinnace called the Discovery 
are now ready victualed, riged, and furnished for the voyage; w^e 
think it fit and do so ordain and appoint that Capt. Christopher 
Newport shall have the sole charge to appoint such captains, sol- 
diers, and marriners, as shall either command, or be shipped to 

^'' Alexander Brown. Genesis of the United States. 2 Vols. Boston, 
1890, p. 21. 

" Brown. Genesis, p. 22. * Brown. Genesis, p. 22. 

"There is confusion among writers of the names of these ships; the 
first is sometimes called Susan Constant; and the Goodspeed is spelt 
God-speed. The latter is simply the old English form of god, gode 
for the Modern English good. Good Speed, a very proper name for a 
ship. 



85 

pass in the said ships or pinnace, and shall also liave the charge 
and oversight of all such munitions, victuals, and other provisions 
as are or shall be shiped at the public charge of the adventurers 
in them or any of them. And further that the said Capt. jSTewport 
shall have the sole charge and command of all captains, soldiers, 
and marriners and other persons that shall go in any the ships 
and jjinnace in the said voyage from the day of the date hereof, 
until such time as they shall fortune to land upon the said coast 
of Virginia, and if the said Captain N^ewport shall happen to d3^e 
at Sea, then the masters of the said ships and pinnace shall carry 
them to the coast of Virginia aforesaid. And whereas we have 
caused to be delivered unto the said Captain Newport, Captain 
Barthol. Gosnold and Captain John Ttatcliffe, several instruments 
close sealed [the names of his 'Majesties Counsel in Virginia' were 
Christopher Newport, Bartholomevr Gosnold, John Eatcliffe, Ed- 
ward Maria Wingfield, John Martin, John Smith, and George Ken- 
dall, with Gabriel Archer as secretary and recorder] with the Coun- 
sels seal aforesaid containing the names of such persons as have 
been appointed to be his ]\Iajesties Counsel in the said country of 
Virginia, we do ordain and direct that the said Captain Christopher 
Newport, Captain Bartholomew Gosnold, and Captain John Eat- 
cliffe, or the survivor or survivors of them, shall within twenty 
four hours next after the said shall arrive upon the said coast of 
Virginia and not before upon and unseal the said Instruments 
and declare and publish unto all the Company the names therein 
set down, and that the persons by us therein named are and shall 
be known, and taken to be his Majesties Counsel of his first Colony 
in Virginia aforesaid. And further that the said Counsel so by 
us nominated, shall upon the publishing of the said instrument 
proceed to the election and nomination of a President of the said 
Counsel, and the said President in all matters of controversy and 
question that shall arise during the continuance of his authority 
where there shall fall out to be equality of voices, shall have two 
voices, and shall have full power and authority with the advice of 
the rest of the said Counsel, or the greatest part of them to govern, 
rule and command all the captains and soldiers, and all other his 
Majesties subjects of his Colony according to the true meaning of 



86 

the orders and directions set down in the articles signed by his 
Majestie and of these presents." . . . And finally that after the 
arrival of the said ship upon the coast of Virginia and the Coun- 
sellor's names published, the said Captain Newport shall with such 
number of men as shall be assigned him by the President and 
Counsel of said Colony spend and bestow two months in discovery 
of such ports and rivers" as can be found in that country, and 
shall give order for the present laiding and furnishing of the two 
ships above named, and all sucli principal comodities and mer- 
chandize as can there be had and found, in such sort as he may 
return with the said full laden with good merchandizes, bringing 
with him full relation of all that hath passed in said voyage, by 
the end of May next, if God permit/^ . . . Wlien you have made 
choice of the river on which you mean to settle be not hasty in 
landing your victuals and munitions, but first let Captain New- 
port discover how far that river may be found navigable that you 
make election of the strongest, most wholesome and fertile place. 
. . . You may perchance find such a place a hundred miles from 
the river's mouth, and the further up the better, for if you sit 
down near the entrance, except it be in some island that is strong 
by nature, an enemy that may approach you on even ground may 
easily pull 3'ou out, and if he be driven to seek you a hundred miles 
in the land in boats you shall from both sides of the river, where 
it is narrowest, so beate them with your muskets as they shall never 
be able to prevail against you. And to the end that you be not sur- 
prized as the French were in Florida by Melindus, [Menendez in 
1565] and the Spaniard in the same place by the French, you 
shall do wx'll to make tliis double provision, first erect a little 
stoure [a place for defence] at the moutli of the river that may 
lodge some ten men, with whom you shall leave a light boat, that 
when any fleet shall be in sight they may come with speed to give 
you warning." Browne says in a note: 'This little stoure may 
have been first stationed at Newport News point.' More likely at 

" Brown. Genesis U. S., pp. 7G-77. 

" Captain John Smith. Works, Arber, p. xl. 

"Brown. Genesis, p. 79. i" Brown. Genesis, pp. 81-82. 



87 

Poynt Comfort that is at the entrance to Hampton Eoads, in sight 
of Chesapeake Bay and the sea; and they were directed to "erect 
a little stoure" at the month of the river on which they decided 
to settle. Stoure, n. Is an old English word for battle, conflict. 
. . . On Saturday the twentieth of December in the yeere 1606, 
the first expedition sent out for the First Colony in Virginia sailed 
from London in three vessels, viz., the Sarah (or Susan) Constant, 
Captain Christopher Newport, the commander of the voyage, the 
Godspeed (or the Good Speed), Captain Bartholomew Gosnold, 
vice-admiral, and the Discovery (or the Discoverer), Captain John 
Eatcliffe." 

"Letter to ye Lord Salisbyrie from Captain Newport ye 29th 
of Julie, 1607, from Plimouth." ... So I must humbly take my 
leave. From Plimouth this 29, of Julie, 1607. Your Lordships 
most hum))ly })ounden. Christopher Newport."^* . . . [Mem. — 
Captain Newport arrived at Plymouth on July 29, 1607, on his 
way from Virginia, and reached London, it seems, between the 
12th and 18th of August. He brought with him the first docu- 
ments ever written by Englishmen on the banks of the James Elver 
in America].^" . . . "Coppie of a Letter from Virginia, dated 22d 
of June, 1607. The Councell there to the Couneell of Virginia 
here in England.""" 

. . . "Captaine Newport hath seen all and knoweth all, he can 
fully satisfy your further expectations, and ease you of our tedious 
letters. We most humbly pray the heaventy King's hand to bless 
our labours with such counsailes and helps as we may further and 
stronger proceed in this our King's and countries service. James- 
towne in Virginia this 22th of June An'o 1607. Your Poore 
Friends. — Edward — Maria Wingfield. John Smith. John Martine. 
Bartholomew Gosnold. John Eattcliffe. George Kendall."'^ 

... "A Eelatyon of the Discovery of Our river, from James 
Forte into the maine: made by Capt. Christopher Newport, and 
sincerely written and observed by a gentleman of the Colony." 'A 

" Brown. Genesis, p. 85. ^'^ Brown. Genesis, pp. 105-106. 

" Brown. Genesis, 106. -" Brown. Genesis, p. 106. 

=* Brown. Genesis, pp. 106-108. 



journal from 21st May to 21st June, 1607."' . . . Mem.: The 
John and Francis, Caj^tain Newport, and the Phoenix, Captain 
Francis Nelson, sailed from Gravesend on Thursday, October 8, 
1607, reached Plymouth the following Thursday (15th), where 
they remained untill Monday (19th), and as the wind was not 
favorable it was necessary on the next day (20th) to make port 
at Falmouth, where until Friday (23d) morning they suffered 
much from a great storm. On Friday, October 23, 1607, they 
sailed from Falmouth for Virginia. . . . His Majesties council in 
England send over at this time an additional member for the 
council in Virginia in the person of Matthew Scrivener."^ "Ealeigh 
to Salisbury. From Life of Sir Walter Ealegh, by Edwards, Vol. 
II, pp. 389-391. . . . The Jurney may go under culler of Virginia, 
for Neuport will shortly return." Note : . . . This letter, if writ- 
ten in 1607, it was probably written in September, as Newport 
returned on October 8 of that year.'* Captain Newport arrived at 
Blackwall on Sunday, May 21, 1608. Captains Edward-Maria 
Wingfield and Gabriel Archer returned from Virginia with him, 
and he brought the following documents, viz : . . . A large Journal 
of Newport's Journie to Werowocomico. . . . "This Draught of 
Virginia by Robarte Tindall, Anno 1608, probably accompanied 
the 'Large Journal of Newport's Journie to Werowocomico. The 
York Eiver and most of James is evidently drawn from actual 
survey." "Werowocomoco," strangely enough, still bears its old 
name of "Poetan) (i. c. Portan) Bay, although it has been fre- 
quently, if not always, located elsewhere. "This 'Draught of Vir- 
ginia' is the earliest drawn by an Englishman now known to be in 
existence. It has never been engraved before."* 

This "Draught of Virginia" is printed in Brown, Genesis, p. 
150, and seems to be a tracing from another map. It begins with 
"Cape Henneri," "King James his River," "Cape Comfortt," "Che- 
chotanke," "Tindalls Shouldes," "James towne"; then we have 

^^Brown. Genesis, p. 109. Capt. John Smith. "Works, Arber, xl-liii. 
"The gentleman of the Colony" is thought to be Gabriel Archer. 
^ Brown. Genesis, pp. 124-125. -^ Brown. Genesis, p. 143. 

* Brown. Genesis, p. 151. 



89 

"Prince Henncri liis Eivcr"; now the York; then "Tendales 
porte," now Gloucester Point. "Tindalls Shoulds," and "Tendales 
porta," the name is spelled differently by the man whose name it 
is said to bo. Curiously enough while there is no name written 
at what is now "Newport's News," the name "Newporte poynte," 
is written on the southern point at the mouth of York River. . . . 
"Percy's Discourse, 1606.'"'" 

. . . "Where wee found a channell, and sounded six, eight, ten 
or twelve fathom: which, put us in good comfort. Therefore wee 
named that point of Land, Cape Comfort.'"' . . . "Munday the 
two and twentieth of June, in the morning Captain Newporte in 
the Admirall departed from James Port for England.'"" "Cap- 
tain Newport being gone for England, leaving us (one hundred 
and foure persons) verie bare and scantie of victualls, further- 
more in warres and in danger of the savages. We hoped after a 
supply which Captaine Newporte promised in twentie weekes.""* 
. . . "Newport arrived at Jamestown on Saturday evening Janu- 
ary 2, [1608] landed on Monday, the 4th, and Jamestown was 
burnt on Thursday, the Tth.""" . . . "January 1, 1608, Powhatan 
sent [Captain John] Smith home with iowv men, etc. ; he arrived 
at Jamestown early on the morning, of Saturday, January 2d, 
and 'Nuport arrived the same night.' "^° 

[Letter September 10, 1608]. . . . "There is no other harbour 
but this which they call 'Jamestowne' [Jamestown], which means 
Jacob's Town; Raley discovered this land perhaps some twenty 
years ago. Captain 'Niuporte' [Newport] discovered the rivers 
perhaps some two years ago.'"" . . . JMem. — Capt. Newport, who 
had left Virginia in December, 1608, arrived in England in Janu- 
ary, 1609. Captain John Eatcliffe, returned with him, and they 
brought the following documents, which are now probably lost. 'A 
Diarie of the Discoverie of the Bay' (2 June to 21 July, 1608), 
and 'A Diarie of the second voyage in discovering the Bay' (24 
July to 7 September, 1608). Purchas (see Vol. iv, p. 1712) had 

^ Brown. Genesis, p. 152. -" Brown. Genesis, p. 158. 

" Brown. Genesis, p. IGG. "* Brown. Genesis, p. 166. 

^ Brown. Genesis. '"' Brown. Genesis, pp. 187-188. 

^ Brown. Genesis, p. 195. 



90 

these Diaries; but did not jmblish them. They were probably 
Hakhiyt manuscripts. Captain John Smith, who was President 
of the Council in Virginia, when Newport left, says he sent at 
this time Ixiv. ["The Copy of a letter sent to the Treasurer and 
Councell of Virginia from Captaine Smith]. Published in Smith's 
History of Virginia (1624) ;" and a "Mappe of the Bay and Rivers, 
with an annexed Eelation of the countries and Nations that in- 
habit them/' which has generally been supposed to be the Map 
(CCXLII) and Description (CCXLIV), but this is not certain. 
... A coat [matchcoat ?] made of two deer skins, is mentioned. 
*It may be that this coat of Powhatan's was taken back by Newport 
at this time, being one of the articles given in exchange for the 
Bed, etc.']" . . . "The Copy of a Letter sent to The Treasurer 
and Councell of Virginia from Captaine Smith." 'It was first pub- 
lished in Smith's History of Virginia (1624), pp. 70, 72. [Smith. 
Arber, 442-445.] Smith doubtless reported to the Council of Vir- 
ginia in England at this time, as it was his duty to do so, but it 
is not probable that the document, as published in 1624, was writ- 
ten in Virginia in 1608.' "The copy of a Letter sent to The 
Treasurer and Councell of Virginia" ( Note by Brown : This title, 
"The Treasurer and Councell," was not granted by the first charter 
to the two companies of April, 1606 ; but by the second or special 
charter to the South Virginia Company, which did not pass the 
seals in England until 23 May, 1609, and was not known in Vir- 
ginia before the following July.)"" 

"Eeturn of Newport in Januar}^, 1609, to the return of the re- 
mains of the fleet in November, 1609.'"' "The Second Charter to 
The Treasurer and Company, for Virginia, for erecting them into 
a Corporation and Body Politic, and for the further enlargement 
and explanation of the privileges of the said Company and first 
Colony of Virginia. Dated May 23d, 1609.'"* 

"Members of the Company. . . . Captain Edward-Maria AVing- 
field. Captain Christopher Newport, Captain John Sicklemore, 
alias Ratcliffe, Captain John Smith, Captain John Martin."^ . . . 

"- Brown. Genesis, p. 199. ^ Brown. Genesis, p. 205. 

^ Brown. Genesis, p. 20S. ^^ Brown. Genesis, pp. 213-214. 



91 

"In that part of America, called Virginia, from the point of land, 
called Cape or Point Comfort, all along the sea coast, to the North- 
ward and two hundred miles, and from the said point of Cape 
Comfort, all along the coast to the Southward two hundred miles, 
and all that space and circuit of land, lying from the sea coast 
of the precinct aforesaid, up into the land, throughout from sea 
to sea, west and northwest.'"" . . . General Archives of Simancas. 
Letter of D. Pedro de Zuniga, to the King of Spain, xA.pril 12, 
1609. . . . Captain 'Christoval Xuport."' . . . ["A letter of M. 
Gahriel Archer, touching the voyage of the fleet of ships which 
arrived at Virginia, without Sir Tho. Gates and Sir George Sum- 
mers, 1609]. [Aug. 31, 1609.]'' "From Woolwich the fifteenth 
of May, 1609, seven saile weyed anchor, and came to Yarmouth 
the twentieth day, where Sir George Somers, with two small ves- 
sels consorted with us. . . . About sixe days after we lost sight 
of England, one of Sir George Somers Pinnasses [The Virginia] 
left our Company, and (as I take it) bare up for England; the 
rest of the ships, viz ; The Sea Adventure Admirall, wherein was 
Sir Thomas Gates, Sir George Somers, and Captain Newport: 
The Diamond, Vice-Admirall, wherein was Captaine Eatcliffe and 
Captaine King; The Falcon, Eare-Admirall, in which was Cap- 
taine Martin and Master Nelson: The Blessing, wherein I [Gabriel 
Archer] and Captaine Adams went: The Unitie, wherein Cap- 
taine Wood and Master Pett were: The Lion wherein Captaine 
Webb remained: And the Swallow of Sir George Somers, in which 
Captaine Moore, and Master Somers went. In the Catch went one 
Matthew Fitch, Master: and in the Boat of Sir George Somers, 
called the Virginia, which was built in the North Colony, went one 
Captaine Davis and one Master Davies. These were the Cap- 
taines and Masters of our Fleet. . . . Upon Saint James Day, [25 
July] being about one hundred and fiftie leagues distant from the 
West Indies, in crossing the Gulfe of Bahoma, there hapned a most 
terrible and vehement storme, which was a taile of the West Indian 
Horacano; this tempest separated all our Fleet one from another, 

^ Brown. Genesis, p. 229. =" Brown. Genesis, p. 261. 

^' Brown. Genesis, p. 328. 



92 

and it was so violenl that men could scarcely stand upon the 
Deckes, neither could any man heare another speake being thus 
divided every man steered his owne course, and as it fell out about 
five or sixe dayes after the storme ceased (wliich endured fourtie 
foure houres in extremitie) The Lion first, and after the Falcon 
and Unitie got sight of our Sliippe, and so we lay away directly 
for A^irginia, finding neither current nor winde opposite, as some 
have report to the great charge of our Counsell and Adventures. 
. . . [The Blessing, The Lion, The Falcon, and the Lenity] we 
foure consorting fell into the King's River haply the eleventh of 
August. [1G09] . . . When we came to James Towne, we found a 
ship which had bin there in the river a month before we came. 
. . . her Commander was Captaine Argoll (a good Mariner, and a 
very civill Gentleman) and her Master one Robert Tindall. [Smith 
says the master's name was Thomas Sedan. Smith, for some reason, 
avoids mentioning Robert Tindall, who made the first maps of Vir- 
ginia.]'" . . . After our foure Ships had bin in harl)our a few 
days, came in the A'ice-admirall. [The Diamond] having cut her 
maine Mast overboard, and many of her men very sicke and weake; 
but she could tell us of no nevres of our Governour, and some three 
or four days after her, came in the Swallow, with lier maine Mast 
over board also, and had a shrewd leake, neither did she see our 
Admirall. . . . Six ships had now arrived. The Sea Venture was 
wrecked on the Bermudas, a catch went down at sea, and The Vir- 
ginia had not come in.^" "Mem. Late in November, [KSOS] the 
remnant of Sir Thomas Gates his fleet, returning from Virginia 
reached England. Two of the Ships returning home perished upon 
the point of Ushant, in one of which. The Diamond, Capt. W. 
Iving, was master, and one man alone left to bring home news 
of their pei'ishing. The rest of the fleet came ship after ship, 
laden with nothing but bad reports and letters of discouragement : 
and the which added more to our crosse, they brought us newes 



■■"'Brown. Genesis, pp. 329-330. [The map in Smith's History of Vir- 
ginia is marked: "Discouered and Discribed by Captayn John Smith, 
1606 Graven by William Hole." Smith's Exploration of the Bay was 
from 2 June, to 21 July, 1608.] 

*" Brown. Genesis, pp. 330-331. 



93 

that the Admiral Ship, with the two Knights and Captaine New- 
port were missing, severed in a mightie storme outward, and could 
not be heard of. Capt. John Smith, who had been sent back from 
A^irginia, [4 October, 1609] and never returned to A'irginia again." 
. . . "Eadcliffe to Salisbury. [From Jamestownc. 4th of October, 
1609.] Sir Thomas Gates and Sir George Summers Captaine New- 
porte and 180 persons or ther about arc not yet arrived and we 
much feare they are lost and alsoe a small pinnace. The other 
Shipps all came in, but not together, we were thus separated by 
a storme, two shipps had great loss of men by the Calenture, and 
most of them all much weather beaten.'"^ A True and Sincere 
Declaration. 

December 14, 1609. ... In the yeare 1606, Captaine Newport 
Avith three ships, discovered the Bay of Chessiopeock in height of 
thirty-seven degree of Northerly latitude, and landed a hundred 
persons of sundry qualities and Arts, in a Eiver falling into it." 
We gave our Commission to a worthy Gentleman, Sir Thomas 
Gates, whom we did nominate and appoint sole and absolute Gov- 
ernor of the Colony [Gates was the first sole and absolute governor 
of the colony] under divers limitations and instructions expressed 
in writing : and with him we sent Sir George Summers Admirall, 
and Captaine Newport vice-Admirall of Virginia, and divers other 
persons of rancke and quality, in seven ships and two pinnaces." 
"A Publication of the Counsell of Virginia, touching the Plan- 
tation there. . . . The fleete of 8 shipes, lately sent to Virginia, 
by meanes the Admirall, wherein were shipped the chiefe Gov- 
ernours. Sir Thomas Gates, Sir George Sommers and Captaine 
Newport, by the tempestuous windes and forcible current, were 



" Brown. Genesis, p. 333. 

*- Brown. Genesis, p. 334. [Tlie "Calenture" was ship-fever, jail-fever 
or typhus fever. Yellow fever does not originate aboard a ship at sea, 
though it may make its first appearance there; the germs are carried 
from port. These ships sailed from England, where no yellow fever 
originates, and had not touched at any West Indian port.] 

"Brown. Genesis, p. 341. (Newport returned from Virginia the third 
time in January, 1609. Brown, note), p. 342. 

*• Brown. Genesis, p. 345. 



94 

driven so farre, to the Westward, that they could not in so con- 
venient time recover Cape Henrie. Imprinted at London, 1610."*" 
Captain jSTewport sailed from Virginia 10 April, 1608, and arrived 
in England May 21, 1608. ]S"ewport returned to Virginia about 
July, arrived there about the last of September, 1608. Brown, 
note p. 396. "Mem. — Sir Thomas Gates and Captaine Newport 
left Virginia in July, and arrived in England in September, 
leiO."'" "Letter of the Governor and Council of Virginia to the 
Virginia Company of London." [July 7, 1610.] . . . "You shall 
please then to know, how the first of April, 1610, in the good 
Shipp the De-la-Warr, admirall, accompanied with the Blessing 
of Plimmouth, viz — admirall, and the Hercules of Ey, reere-ad- 
mirall, we weyed from the Cowes, getting out of the Needles, and 
with a favourable passage, holding consort, the 12th day we fell 
with the Treseras, and recovered that evening (within three 
leagues) the Westermost part of St. George's Island, where we lay 
that night becalmed; but the next morning with the sunrise, did 
the wind likewise rise, west and west-by-South, a rough and lowde 
gale, at what time the master of the Eeere-admirall [Hercules of 
Ey] told me of a roade fitt for that winde at Gratiosa, whereupon 
I willed him to go before and I would follow, and so we stood for 
that roade; but it was my fortune to lead in it, where we came to 
an ancor at fortie fathom, when it blew so much winde presently 
that our ancor came home, and we were forced to sea againe, the 
same time the Blessing was compelled to cutt her cable at haulfe, 
for in the weying it the pole of her capstan brake, and dangerously 
hurte 12 of our men; The Hercules was likewise forced from the 
roade, and brake her ancor; yet the next day we met al together 
againe. The 15th, we lost sight of the Hercules, betweene the 
Treseras and Gratiosa, and we saw her no more untill the 6th of 
June, at what time we made land to the Southward of our har- 
bour, The Chesiopiock Bay, where running in towards the shoare, 
steering away nor-west, before noone we made Cape Henry, bear- 
ing nor-west and by West; and that night came to an ancor under 
the Cape, where we went ashoare, as well to refresh ourselves as 

*^ Brown. Genesis, pp. 354-356. "Brown. Genesis. Note, p. 399. 



95 

to fish, and to set up a cross upon the pointe (if haply the Hercules 
might arrive there) to signify our coming in. ... As we were re- 
turning aboard againe, our master, descried a sayle close by the 
pointe at Cape Henry, wliereupon I commanded him to beare up 
the helme, and we gave it chase, when within an hower or a little 
more, to our no little [joy], we made her to be the Hercules, our 
reere admiral, whome we had now lost . . . weekes and odd dayes; 
and this night (all praise be to God for it) came to an ancor under 
Pointe Comfort; from whence the Captaine of the fort, Captain 
James Davis, repaired unto us, and soone had unfolded a strange 
. . . tion of a double quallitie, mixed with joy and sorrow. He let 
us to understand first (because thereof I first inquired) of the ar- 
rivall of Sir Thomas Gates and Sir George Sumers, in 2 pin- 
nesses, with all their company safe from the Bermudas, the 21. of 
May (about some fortnight before our now coming in), whome he 
told us, were now up our river at James Town. I was heartily 
glad to heare the happiness of this newes; but it was seasoned 
with a following discourse, compound of so many miseries and 
calamaties (and those in such horrid chaunges and divers formes), 
as no story, I believe, ever presented the wrath and curse of the 
eternall ofl^ended Majestic in a greater measure. I understood 
moreover, by reason I saw the Virginia to ly then in Eoade, before 
the pointe ridg, and prepared to sett sayle out of the river, how 
that Sir Thomas Gates and Sir George Sumers were within a tide 
or two coming downe again, purposing to abandon the countrie 
whilest they had meenes yet left to transport them and the whole 
company to Newfoundland. . . . Sir Thomas Gates . . . then 
entered into consultation with Sir George Sumers and Capt. ISTew- 
porte, calling unto the same the gentlemen and Counsaile of the 
former government, intreating both the one and the other to 
advise with him, what was to be done; the provision which they 
both had aboard, both Sir George Sumers and Capt. Newporte, 
was examined and delivered, how it being rackt to the uttermost, 
extended not above 16 dayes, after 2 cakes a day. The gentlemen 
of the towne (who knew better of the countrie) could not give 
them any hope, or wayes how to recover oughts from the Indian. 
It soone then appeared most fitt, by a gencrall approbation, to 



96 

preserve and save all from starving, there could be no readier 
course thought on, then to abandon the countrie, accomodating 
themselves the best they might in the present pinnasses then in 
the roade (as, namely, in The Discovery, and The Virginia, the 2 
brought from, and builded at, tbe Bermudasi the one called The 
Deliverance of about 70 tonn, and the other, The Patience, of about 
30 tonn) with all speed convenient to make for the New-found- 
land, where, it being then fishing time, they might meete with 
many English ships, into which happily, they might disperce most 
of the Company. This consultation taking effect the 7th of June 
[1610], Sir Thomas Gates having appointed every pinnass his com- 
plement and nomber, and delivered likewise thereunto a pro- 
portionable rate of provision, caused every man to repaire aboard; 
and bycause he would preserve the towne (albeit now to be quitted) 
unburned, which some intemperate and malitious people threat- 
ened, his owne company he likewise cast ashoare, and was him- 
self the last qf them, when about noon, giving a farewell with a 
peale of small shott, he sett sayle, and that night, with the tide, 
fell down to an island in the river, which our people here call 
Hogg Island; and the next morning the tide brought them to an- 
other island, which they called Mulben-y Island, at what time they 
discovered my long boat. For I, having understood of the resolu- 
tion by the aforesaid pinnas, which was some 4 or 5 days come 
away before, to prepare those at Pointe Comforte, with all expe- 
dition I caused the same to be man'd, and in it, with the newes*^ 
of our arrivall, dispatched my letters by Captain Edward Brew- 
ister to Sir Thomas Gates which meeting to [gether] before the 
aforesaid Mulberry Island, the 8th of June aforesaid, [1610] upon 
the receite of our letters Sir Thomas Gates bore up the helm 
againe, and that night (the wind favourable) re-landed all his 
men at the Forte; before which, the 10th of June being Sonday, 
I brought my shipp, and in the afternoon went ashoare when after 
a sermon made by Mr Buck, Sir Thomas his preacher, I caused my 
commission to be read, upon which Sir Thomas Gates delivered up 

" "With the newes of our arrival." That is where we think the name 
comes from. 



97 

unto me his owne commission, both patents, [of office] and the 
counsel! seale . , . heartening them with the knowledge of what 
store of provisions I had brought for them; and after, not finding 
as yet in the towne a convenient house, I repaired aboard againe, 
where the 12th of June, I did constitute and give place of office 
and chardge to divers Captaines and gentlemen, and elected unto 
me a counsaile, unto whome I administered an oath of faith, 
assistance and secresy; their names were these: Sir Thomas Gates, 
Knight, Lieutenant General Sir George Sumers, Knight, Admiral. 
Capt. George Percy, Esq, [and in the Fort Captaine of Fifty.] 
Sir Ferdinando Wenman, Knight, M [aster of Ordnance] Capt 
Christopher N^ewport, [vice-admiralL] William Strachey, Esq. Sec- 
retary [and Eecorder.]*' . . . "James Towne. July 7th, 1610. Tho. 
La Warre. Tho. Gates. Fer'd Wenman. George Percy. William 
Strachey.** ". . . Indorsed: Lord De La Warr to my Lord from 
Virginia. Eeceived in September, 1610.'' Addressed: "To the 
right honourable my most worthy and speciall Frend the Earl of 
Salisbury, Lord Treasurer of England. Give thes."°° 

". . . The 6, of June I came to an ankor under Cape Comfort 
when I met with cold comfort, as if it had not binne accompanyed 
with the most happie newes of Sir Thomas Gates his arrival! it 
had binne sufficiente to have brooke my hart and to have made 
me altogether unable to have Donne my King or countrie anie 
service. Sir Thomas likewise being in Despaire of anie present 
supplie had prepared himselfe and all his companie for England 
and ment to quite the Countrye; uppon which advertisement I 
presentlie sent my skife awaie, to give him notice of my arrival!, 
which newes"^ I know would alter that resolution of his, myselfe 
witli all possible speede followed after, and met him comminge 
downe the river havinge shipped the whole companie and Colonic 
in two small pinnasses with a determination to stale some tenn 
Dales at Cape Comfort to expect our Commings, otherwise to goe 
for England having but 30 Dales vittualles left him and his 

^ Brown. Genesis, p. 407. ** Brown. Genesis, p. 413. 

^ Brown. Genesis, p. 413. 

^^ Here we have the word "newes" connected with the incident. 



98 

houngrie companic, so iippon the tenth of Jvme [1610] I landed 
at James Towne."'"' 

[Tract]. . . . "A Discovery of the Barnmdas, otherwise called 
the He of Divels : By Sir Thomas Gates, Sir George Sommers, and 
Captayne ISTewport with divers others. Set forth for the love of 
my Country; and also for the good of the Plantation in Virginia. 
London, Printed by John Windet, and are to be sold by Eogers 
Barnes. . . . 1610."=* 

[Pamphlet]. "Nevves from Virginia. The Lost Flocke Trium- 
phant; with the happy Arrival of that famous and worthy Knight 
Sr Thomas Gates : and the well reputed and valient Captaine ]\Ir 
Christopher Newporte, and others into Virginia. With the man- 
ner of their distresse in the Hand of Devils (otherwise called Ber- 
moothawes) where they remained 42 weeks, and builded two 
Pynaces in which they returned unto Virginia, By R. Rich, Gent., 
one of the voyage. London. Printed by Edw. Allde, and are to be 
solde by John Wright, at Christ-Church dore. 1610.'"* ". . . Two 
others of 70 and 50 tons, which were built two years ago in 'la 
Bermuda,' (for the purpose of bringing from there to Virginia, 
in the Spring, 150 persons, who had been wrecked there in a ship, • 
which was of 200 tons, that went in charge of Captain 'Nio- 
porte.""' ". . . Deceml^er 18, 1611 . . . A^ewport the Admirall of 
Virginia is newly come home, and brings word of the arrival there 
of Sir Thomas Gates and his Companie; but his Lady died by the 
way in some part of the West Indies, he hath sent his daughters 
back againe." [Mem. — In last December, Captaine Newport in 
the Starre and since that [prior to May, 1612] five other Shippes 
are arived heere from the Colonic.] Gondomar to Philip iii. Lon- 
don. March 17, 1614. "It is three years since the English have 
had a footing in Bermuda, by the accidental loss of a ship on 
that coast. It was coming from [ ? going to] Virginia ; the Cap- 
tain was called 'ISTeoporte,' a famous sailor.'""^ ''Commons Jour- 
nal. 17 May, 1614. . . . This Plantation began 1606. Religion. 
Captain Newport. Sir Tho. Gates. . . :"' "Howes' Chronicles. 

^" Brown. Genesis, pp. 414-415. ^ Brown. Genesis, p. 419. 

*' Brown. Genesis, p. 420. ^^ Brown. Genesis, p. 520. 

'^ Brown. Genesis, p. 681. ^' Brown. Genesis, p. 693. 



99 

London. 1615. . . . [Queen Elizabeth called it Virginia] . . . The 
third year of King James. . . . there were yeerely supplies of 
men, women and children, sent thither with all necessaries, under 
the conduct of Captaine Newport. ... In the moneth of May 
[1609] there were sent thither 9 ships witli five hundred men, 
women and children, with all necessarie provision, under Syr 
Thomas Gates, Knight, a grave expert souldier, now appoynted 
Lieutenant Generall of Virginia, Sir George Somers, Knight, a 
man very industrious and forward, was now made Admirall of 
Virginia, and Captain Newport an excellent Navigator was made 
vice-Admirall.^^ . . . Captain Newport seeing the necessary yeerely 
supplies for this plantation, not to proceed as was requisite for so 
honorable action, he left ye service, being chosen one of the 6 Mas- 
ters of the Navy royall, and being imployed by the Company of 
the East India ]\Iarchants : he transported Sir Kobert Sherley into 
Persia.^ ... In the yeere 1609 the Adventurers and companie of 
Virginia sent from London, a fleete of eight shippes with people 
supplie and make strong the Collonie in Virginia, Sir Thomas 
Gates, being generall in a shippe of 300 tun, in this ship was 
also Sir George Somers, who was Admirall and Captaine New- 
porte vice-Admirall, & with them about 160. persons, this ship 
was Admirall and kept Companie with the rest of the Fleet to the 
height of 30. degrees and being then assembled to consult touch- 
ing divers matters, they were surprised with a most extreme violent 
storme which scattered the whole fleete, yet all the rest of the fleet 
bent their course for Virginia, where by God's speciall favoure 
they arrived safely, but this great shippe, though new, and far 
stronger than any of the rest, fell into a great leake, . . . Sir George 
Sommers, sitting at the Stearne, seeing the shippe desperate of re- 
liefe looking every minute when the shippe would sinke, hee 
espyed land, which according to his and Captaine Newports op- 
pinion, they judged it should be that dreadfull coast of the Ber- 
modes."^" . . . "They builded there two vessels, went to Virginia 
in 1610." . . . The Company named these Islands by the name 

^° Brown. Genesis, p. 749. ^^ Brown. Genesis, p. 750. 

'" Brown. Genesis, p. 753. " Brown. Genesis, p. 754. 



100 

of tlu^ Soincrs Islands: they lie in -12. flef;roes of the Xorth Lati- 
tude.'"" Xote by Brown. ("The origin of the name 'N^ewport 
Xcws' in Virginia is a mooted question. It Avas named about the 
same time as Nieuw Port Mey, which was named for Cornelius 
Jacobsen Mey, and was possibly named New Port Xewse, for one 
of the Xewee (or Newse, or Xuce) family. In addition to the 
foregoing, two others of this family emigrated at an early day, 
namely: Capt. Tliomas Xewse, deputy for the Company's land and 
member of the council, arrived in the winter of 1620-21, and died 
aboiit the 1st of April, 1623, leaving a widow and child, and Capt. 
William Xewse, who had served in Ireland at the siege of Kinsale. 
. . . He was the first Mayor of Bandon; laid out a town opposite 
called Xewce's ToAvn, offered to transport a colony to Virginia, 
April 12, 1621 ; patented lands there ; chosen marshal of Vir- 
ginia, May 2, 1621 ; knighted at Theobald's, May 31, 1621 ; added 
to the Virginia Council, Jvine 13, 1621 ; went over with "Wyat, ar- 
rived there early in October, 1621 ; and died two months after. . . . 
Xewce — Xewse — Xuce, George. Came to Virginia, and was living 
at Elizabeth City in 1624.""= 

"Xewport, Captain Christopher. Was probably born between 
1560 and 1670, and entered the sea service at an early age. Went 
to West Indies, in command of four vessels, January 11, 1592. 
The other voyage was made in 1604-'05. January 11, 1606, Sir 
Eobert Mansell, Sir John Trevor, and others, recommended Cap- 
tain Xewport to Lord Admiral Xottingham for the reversion of 
the office of one of the principal masters of the navy. January 13, 
1606, the Lord Admiral wrote to Sir Rob. Mansell, Sir Henry 
Palmer, Sir John Trevor, and Sir Peter Buck, the principal offi- 
cers of the Eoyal Xavy, that he granted to Capt. Chris. Xewport 
the reversion solicited, after the placing of Capt. John King. De- 
cember 10. 1606, he was commissioned and given by the Council of 
Virginia the sole charge and command of all the captains, sol- 
diers, and mariners, and other persons that shall go in any the said 
ships and pinnace in the said voyage from the day of the date 
hereof until such time as they shall fortune to land upon the said 

"Brown. Genesis, p. 756. "^Brpwn. Genesis, p. 956. 



101 

coast of Virginia. Thus was lie in tlie 'sole charge and command' 
of the first expedition of Englishmen that landed in James River." 

JSTewporfs voyages to Virginia : He left England : 

December 19, 1606, to July 29, 1607, his first voyage to Virginia. 

October 8, 1607, to May 30, 1608, his second voyage to Virginia. 

July, 1608, to January, 1609, his third voyage to Virginia. 

June 2, 1609, to September, 1610, his fourth voyage to Vir- 
ginia. 

March 17, 1611, to December, 1611, his fifth voyage to Vir- 
ginia. 

In 1612 he was appointed one of the six masters of the royal 
navy, and employed by the East India Company to carry Sir Rob- 
ert Sherley to Persia. January 7, 1613, to July 10, 1611, his first 
voyage to the East Indies in command of the good ship 'the Ex- 
pedition of London, of about 260 tunnes burthen.' He landed 
the ambassador's party in 'the River of Sinde, India, Septembei 
26, 1613,' and returning well laden anchored in 'The Downs,' 
July 10, 1614. Sir Robert Sherley wrote a letter to the East 
India Co., highly recommending the deserts of Captain New- 
port.' Capt. Walter Peyton's account of the voyage, in 
Purchas, . . . speaks highly of Xewport, and he was 
much commended by the East India Company for his good ser- 
vices, delivering his charge safely, discovering unknown places 
(in the Persian Gulf and elsewhere) brings home his ship well 
laden, his men in health, and dispatching the voj-age in so short a 
time, and they resolved to gratify him with a present of fifty 
Jacobuses.' [pounds.] September 20, 1614, the East India Co. 
resolved 'to entertain Captain Xewport as Admiral,' and he entered 
into the service of the great company; January 24, 1615, to about 
September, 1616, on his second voyage to the East Indies, in which 
he commanded the Lion in the fleet accompanying "Sir Thomas 
Roe, Embassadour from the King of England (James I) to the 
Great Mogoll of India*' (Shah Jehan). Early in 1617 he sailed 
from England on his third voyage to India in command of the 
Hope, with the Hound as escort. August 15, 1617, the Hope ar- 
rived at Bantam on the isle of Java, 'commander Captain New- 
port, who reported that seven ships were sent this year from Eng- 



102 

land to Surat.' A few days after (prior to September 1, [1617] 
'there dyed out of the Hope, Cajitaine Newport, that worthy Sea- 
man and Commander.' The Hope was loaded at Bantam, and on 
Tuesday, January 20, 1618, sailed thence for England, arriving 
there September 1, 1618, bringing (I suppose) the first account 
of Newport's death. From 1593 to his death in 1617, we find 
Capt. Christopher Newport commanding in active services at sea 
of special confidence and trust. He brought tlie first English 
colonists to Virginia, and supplied them for years. He carried 
back the first Persian ambassador (to England) to Persia." . . . 
He was one of the first Englishmen to explore the Chesapeake Bay, 
and James Eivcr. . . . We find him commanding in the water of 
the AVest Indies ; we leave him as he sinks to rest beneath the far- 
off waters of the East Indies. He was one of the founders of 
English colonies and English commerce; and he was not the least 
among those who laid the ground-work of Great Britain's present 
greatness. The admirall of Virginia lived on the ocean; the ocean 
is his tomb, and his admirable monument, and the city of New- 
port News, whether named for him or not, will be his memorial in 
America."'* 

November 17, 1619, the following minute was made at a meet- 
ing of the Virginia Company of London: 'Whereas the company 
hath formerly granted to Captain Newport a bill of Adventure for 
four hundred pounds, and his son now desiring order from court 
for the laying out of some part of the same, Mr T^reasurer, was 
authorized to write to Sir George Yeardley and the Councill of 
State for the effecting thereof.' These lands are supposed to have 
been located at Newport News on James River.*" 

"July 10, 1621, the Virginia Company of Eondon, as a further 

"* How can this be reconciled with the idea that the place was named 
after Sir William Newce, or Nieuw Port Mey, and Cornells Jacobsen 
May? 

""* The History of Virginia. Robert Beverley. London, 1722, p. 37. "It 
was October, 1621, that Sir Francis Wyat arrived Governor, and in 
November Captain Newport arrived with fifty Men imported at his own 
Charge, besides Passengers; and made a Plantation on Newport's News, 
naming it after himself." 



103 

acknov.'ledgment of Captain Newport's services in the enterprise, 
gave his widow thirty five shares of hind (3500 acres) in Virginia. 
j\Ir Christopher Newport was one of the patentees of land in Vir- 
ginia in 1622-'23. Edward ISTewport, gent., and Eichard New- 
port, gent., both died in Xorthampton County, Virginia, in 1642, 
'of a contagious disease called the plague.' "" 

. . . "Wee have this Saterday night receved the cunifortabell 
newse of Sir George Summers' arrivall.""' 

"" Brown. Genesis, pp. 956-958. Newport's family. Diet. Nat. Biog., 
Vol. p. . 

*" Brown. Genesis, p. 1018. 



104 



XIX. ALEXANDER BROWN— FIRST REPUBLIC IN 
AMERICA. 

"^On Saturday, December 20-30, 1606, the first expedition sent 
out for '^'the First Colony in Virginia" sailed from London, under 
the sole charge and command for the voyage of Captain Christo- 
pher Newport, in three vessels, namely: 'The good Ship called 
the Sarah Constant (Captain Newport Admiral), and the ship 
called the Goodspeed (Captain Bartholomew .Gosnold, vice-ad- 
miral), and a pinnace called the Discovery (Captain John Eat- 
cliffe).' Statements differ as to the number of people in the expe- 
dition; but the Advice of the King's Council (which is the offi- 
cial statement) places the number of emigrants at 'six score' (120). 
There were also about forty or fifty sailors.'"'* ..." 'January 15, 
1607, they anchored in the Downs,"; but the winds continued 
contrarie so long, that we were forced to stay there sometime, where 
we suffered great storms, but by the skillfulness of the Captain, we 
suffered no great loss or danger. "They left the coast of England 
about the 18th of February. On the 22d they saw 'a blazing star' 
(a comet, an ill omen), and soon after then was a storm. They 
reached the southwest part of the Great Canaries late in February, 
or early in March. Here they remained several days taking on 
wood and water, and then sailed for Virginia via the West Indies. 
About March 21, there were rumours of a meeting by Stephen 
Galthropp, Captain John Smith, and others, of which we have 
no detailed account; but we know that Newport had ample au- 
thority in such matters at sea." . . . May 1 there was a vehement 
tempest, which carried the Captain beyond his reckoning so that 
he had 'to tackle back,' sounding their way, on May 2, 3, 4 and 5. 
'On Sunday, April 26, (May 6) "about foure a clocke in the morn- 
ing we descried the land of Virginia: the same day wee entered 
into the Bay of Chesapioc directly without any let or hindrance; 
there we landed and discovered a little way, but we could finde 

*' Alexander Brown. The First Republic of America. Boston, 1898, p. 
12. 



105 

nothing worth tlie speaking of, but fairc meadowes and goodly tall 
trees, with such fresh waters running through the woods, as I was 
almost ravished at the first sight thereof.""* "At night, on May 6, 
when the English were going aboard, the Indians made an attack 
on them, wounding Captain Gabriel Archer and Matthew Morton. 
That night the box containing the "several instruments close 
sealed" was opened, and the orders read, in which Bartholomew 
Gosnold, Edward Maria Wingfield, Christopher Newport, John 
Smith, John Eatcliffe, John Martin, and George Kendal were 
named to l^e "His ]\[ajesties Council for the first Colony in Vir- 
ginia. . . . May 7, they began to build up their shallop. They 
ate some oysters in 'Lynnliaven Bay' which were very large and of 
delicate taste." [as they continue to be to this day.] "May 8, 
[1607] They launched the shallop, and Captain Kewport and some 
gentlemen went in her, and discovered up the bay, under the advice 
given them by His Majesty's Council. Entering James Eiver 
(which they named for the King) on the south side, they were dis- 
appointed in finding the water so shallow as to put them out of all 
hopes for getting any higher with their ships ; but towards night 
the}^ rowed over to a point of land, where they found an excellent 
channel, which put them "in good Comfort. Therefore they named 
that point of Land, Cape Comfort." . . . May 10, they brought 
their ships into the river at Cape Comfort, and ^STewport, causing 
the shallop to be manned rowed to the shore. "Leaving ten men 
as centinel at the river's mouth," they went to Kecoughtan, and so 
on from day to day along up "King James, his river, looking for 
a suitable seating place"; the ships following after the shallop 
with the tide, and Newport sometimes going back to them for the 
night. May 14, [13] they came to the region where they finally 
selected their "seating place." . . . May 18, [1607] they were view- 
ing the localities about the mouth of the Appomattoc. [Chicka- 
hominy?! May 23, on their way back to the ships, they discovered 
a point of land, which they called Archer's Hope, and "if it had 
not been disliked, because the ship could not ride near the shore, 
we had settled there to all the colonies contentment." . . . May 

•» Brown. First Republ., pp. 21-22-23. 



106 

13-23. The ships came up — on tlie evening tide, I suppose — to the 
place selected for their seating place in the Paspiha country, some 
eight miles from Archer's Hope, where our ships do lie so near the 
shore that they are moored to the trees is six fathoms water." May 
14-24 "we landed all our men which were set to work about the 
fortifications, and others some to watch and ward, as it was con- 
venient. . . . within this fair Eiver of Paspiheigh, which we have 
called the King's River, they selected an extended plaine and spot 
of earth, which thrust out into the depth and middest of the chan- 
nel, making a kind of . . . Peninsula. . . . the colony dis-imbarked, 
and every man brought his particular store and furniture, together 
with the generall provision ashore : for the safety of which, as 
likewise for their own security, ease and accommodating, a cer- 
taine canton and quantity, of that little halfe Island of ground was 
measured, which they began to fortifie, and thereon in the name 
of God to raise a Fortresse, with the ablest and spediest means they 
could." 'They named their town, or fort, in honor of their King, 
James-town or James-fort. It was located "on the north side of 
James his river." . . . "It seems quite certain that Newport landed 
here May 4-14, from his shallop, while on his exploring voyage up 
the river, and that the actual landing of the colony was on May 
14-24. The custom of celebrating IMay 3-13 is probably due to ' 
Smith's history. This history, which used the old style date, states 
that Newport left Jamestown, June 15, when we know the correct 
date was June 22, and that its dates are frequently wrong, and not 
as safe to be relied on as Percy's. But it does' not really differ from 
Percy on this point. It simply says, until the 13 of May they 
sought a place to plant in, then [i. e. after that] the councell was 
sworne [4-24], M. Wingfield was chosen President, & an oration 
was made, whil Captaine Smith was not admitted to the Councell 
as the rest."'" ". . . Captain Newport arrived at Plymouth on his 
way from A^irginia on Wednesday, August 8, 1607. . . . On Friday 
following he sailed from Plymouth to London. . . . He sailed up 
the Thames on or about August 18.^^ 

'* Brown. First Republ., pp. 25-26. "Then the councell was sworne," 
means, at that time, loth of May. 
■" Brown. First Republ. 



107 

". . . October 4, 1G07. Tlie John and Fi'ancis, Captain jSTcwport, 
and the Phoenix, Captain Nelson, sailed from London with the 
first supplies for A'irginia.'"'' . . . "The John and Francis reached 
Jamestown on Saturday evening, January 12 [1G08]."" After 
making trial of 'all the wayes' for relieving the colony, and after 
consulting with his Council, on or before June 11 [1610] Governor 
Gates reached the conclusion that there was no way before him 
save to abandon the colony; sent the Virginia down to Algernoune 
Fort to take on Captain Davis and his men, while he began making 
preparations for leaving Jamestown. "Our governor having caused 
to be carried a])oard all arms, and all the best things in the store; 
having buried the ordnances lief ore the Fort gate ; having appointed 
to every pinnace likewise his complement and numljer and delivered 
thereunto a proportionable rate of provision, on June 17th com- 
manded every man at the beating of the Drum to repair aboard. 
And because he would preserve the Towne (albeit now to be quit- 
ted) unburned, wliicli some intemperate and malicious people 
threatened, he caused his own Company (which he had brought 
from the JSTetherlands, under the command of his Lieutenant, 
Capt. George Yeardley,) to be last ashore, and was himself the last 
of them to get aboard, when about noon giving a farewell, with a 
peal of small shot, they sail in the Discovery, the Deliverance and 
the Patience. "That night they fell down with the tide to Hogg 
Island, and the next morning the tide brought them to ]\Iull)erry 
Island, where they met the Virginia, in which Lord De la Warr 
had sent Captain Edward Brewster, with letters to Sir Thomas 
Gates, instructing him to return to Jamestown." "And Gates the 
very next day, ... as wind and weather gave leave, returned his 
whole company Avith charge to take possession again of those poor 
ruinated habitations at Jamestown which he had formerly aban- 
doned. Himself in a boat proceeded downward to meet his Lord- 
ship, who making all speed up, arrived shortly after at James- 
town."'* 

"Lord De la Warr left London about ATarch 12, 1610, and 

'- Brown. First Republ., p. 50. '•'' Brown. First Republ., p. 55. 

'* Brown. First Republ., p. 127. 



108 

sailed from the 'Cowes' on April 11, in tlio Do la Warr, accompa- 
nied with the Blessing, of Plymouth, and the Hercules of Eye 
with supplies for the colony and about one hundred and fifty emi- 
grants. ... He found at Point Comfort the A^irginia, Avhich had 
been sent from Jamestown about June 11, to take aboard Cap- 
tain James Davis and the garrison of the fort there. June 17, 
De la Warr caused his pinnace to Ije manned and sent Captain 
Edward Brewster in her with letters to Sir Thomas Gates, with 
"newes of their arrivall.'"' Brewster met Gates at Mulberry Island 
on June 18, [1610] who u])on receipt of the letters, ordered his 
ships "to boar up the helm" for Jamestown, wliere all his men re- 
landed that night. Lord De la Warr reached Jamestown with 
his ships on Sunday, June 20, 1610, and in tlie afternoon went 
ashore."^' 

"June 22, 1610. The lord governor elected unto himself a Coun- 
cil, and constituted and gave place of off^ice and charge to divers 
captains and gentlemen, unto all of whom he administered an' 
oath of faith, assistance, and secrecy, 'mixed with the oath of Al- 
legiance and Supremacy to his Majesty.' " The Council were Sir 
Thomas Gates, lieutenant-general; Sir George Somers, admiral; 
Captain George Percy, esquire (and, in the fort, captain of fifty) ; 
Sir Ferdinando Weinman, captain of the ordnance; Captain Chris- 
topher Newport, vice-admiral; and William Strachey, esquire, sec- 
retary and recorder. The other officers were : Captain John Mar- 
tin, master of the battery works for steel and iron ; Captain George 
Webb, sergeant-major of the fort; captains of companies, Ed- 
ward Brewster (of the lord governor's own company), Thomas 
Lawson, Thomas Holcroft, Samuel Argall, and George Yeardley 
(who commanded the lieutenant-generars company). Among the 
other officers were: Master Ealf Hamor and Master Browne, 
clerks of the Council, and Master Daniel Tucker and Master Eob- 
ert Wilde, clerks of the store. Master Anthony Scott was ensign 
of Lord de la Warr's company. Dr Lawrence Bohun, Bev. Wil- 
liam Mease (or Mays), Eichard Kingsmill, Jane, daughter of 

'" This phrase, and the word "newes" have been connected always 
with this incident, and believed to give the name to "Newport's Xetves." 
'" Brown. First Republic, pp. 127-128. 



109 

William Pierce and the third wife of Jolin Eolf, William Julian, 
Joan Chandler, and Reynold Booth were of those who came to 
Virginia at this time.'"' 

. . . "Early in September, 1610, the Blessing, of Plymouth, 
and the Hercules of Eye, returned to England with Gates, New- 
port, Captain Adams, and others from Virginia.'"' "Sir Thomas 
Dale sailed from Land's End, March 37, [1611] with the Starr 
(Captain Newport, vice-admiral of Virginia, in charge of the 
voyage, and John Clark, pilot), the Prosperous, and the Elizabeth, 
and three hundred people and all things necessary for the colony, 
. . . and anchored before Algernoune Fort, at Point Comfort, at 
night. May 22, 1611." . . . May 30, Deputy-Governor Dale held 
a consultation with the Council, and they decided at once to repair 
the church and storehouse, to build a stable for their horses, a 
munition-house, a powder-house, and sturgeon-dressing house; to 
dig a new well; to make brick; to raise a blockhouse on the north 
side of the back river to prevent the Indians from killing the 
cattle; a house to store hay in, and lodge the cattle in winter, and 
to perfect a smith's forge; besides private gardens for each man, 
common (public) gardens for flax and hemp, and such other 
seeds, and lastly a bridge'" to land the good dry and safe upon. 
. . . Captain Newport with the mariners undertook the bridge. [At 
Jamestown].*^ "Lieutenant-Governor Gates selected From 300 
to 350 men, and about the middle of September, 1611, set out from 
Jamestown with the tide, and in a day and a half landed at the 
site selected, . . . and by the middle of January, 1612, had made 
"Henrico much better and of more worth than all the work ever 
since the colony, therein done." The first story of these houses 
was of brick burnt there by the brickmen.'"" . . . Vice-admiral 
Newport sailed for England with this ship [The Starr] in No- 
vember, 1611.*'' ... "Newport had succeeded Sir George Somers 
as Admiral of Virginia but was afterwards appointed [1612] one 

" Brown. First Republ., pp. 131-132. 

'' Brown. First Republ., p. 140. '^ Brown. First Republ., p. 147. 

"" A landing-stage, a wharf. *^ Brown. First Republ., p. 150. 

**' Brown. First Republ., pp. 156-157. 

''Brown. First Republ.. p. 157. 



no 

of the six masters of tlie royal niwy, and Argall then succeeded 
him as admiral of Virginia, to remain in the colony.**** 

"Argall located definitely [1617] the then hounds of the four 
great 'Incorporations and Parishes of James Citty, Charles Citty, 
the citty of Heuricus and Kiccautan."*° 

"On April 7, 1619, the governor issued the following proclama- 
tion: — 'To all to whom these presents shall come, I Samuel Ar- 
gall, Esq., and principal Governor of Virginia, do by these presents 
testify, and upon my certain knowledge hereby do make manifest 
the bounds and limits of Jamestown how far it doth extend every 
way — that is to say the whole island, with part of the main land 
lying on the East side of Argall town, and adjoining upon the 
said Island, also the neck of land on the north part, and so the 
further part of Archer's Hope; also Hog Island; from thence to 
the four mile Tree on the south, usually called by the name of 
Tappahannock, in which several places of ground I hereby give, 
leave and license for the inliabitants of Jamestown to plant as 
members of the corporation and parish of the same. In witness 
whereof, I have hereunto set my hand the 28th day of March 
[Old Style] in tJie year of our Lord 1619, and on the 12th year of 
the plantation."'"" 

"In order to establish one equal and uniform kind of govern- 
ment all over Virginia, such as may be to the greatest benefit and 
comfort of the people, each town, hundred, and plantation was to 
be incorporated into one body corporate (a borough), under like 
laws and orders with the rest; and in orders to give the planters a 
hand in the governing of themselves each borough had the right 
to elect two burgesses to the General Assembly. The plantations 
were located in four large corporations or general boroughs which 
were laid out as follows : — 

I. The City of Henricus including Henrico (Farrar's Island), 
extending thence on both sides of James Eiver to the westward, 
the pale run by Dale between the said river and the Appomattox 
Eiver being the line of the south side. 

II. Charles City. From the said pale, including the neck of land 



^ Brown. First Republ., p. 173. ''■^ Brown. First Republ., p. 254. 
^ Brown. First Republ., p. 287. 



Ill 

now known as Jones JSTeck, eastward, down James Eiver, on both 
sides, to the mouth of the Chickahominy River. 

III. James City extended down on both sides of the river, with 
the same near the river of the present James City and Warwick 
(afterwards formed, and named after the Eaii of Warwick) 
counties on the north side, and the present Surry and Isle of Wight 
counties, or it may have extended to the Elizabeth River on the 
south side, as south bounds are not definitely defined. 

IV. "The Burrough of Kiccowtan" extended from James City 
corporation to the bay. All settlements were then on, or near, 
James River. 

I. The corporation of Henricus was then only one "burrough," 
the old planters at "Arrohattock," "Coxendale," and "Henrico," 
uniting, elected Thomas Dowse and John Polentine. 

II. The corporation of Charles City contained five burroughs 
which chose burgesses; but those from. Martin's Brandon (Mr. 
Thomas Davis and Mr. Robert Stacy) were not allowed, thus re- 
ducing the number to four: — 1. The old plantations of Bermuda 
Hundred, Sherley Hundred, and Charles City uniting elected Sam- 
uel Sharpe and Samuel Jordan. 2. Smythe's Hundred elected 
Captain .Thomas Graves and Mr Walter Shelley. 3. Plowerdieu 
[Flowerdew] Hundred elected Ensign Edmund Rossingham and 
Mr John Jefferson. 4. Captain Ward's plantation elected Captain 
Ward and Lieutenant John Gibbs. The last three buroughs were 
new plantations; the last two having been just settled. 

III. The corporation of James City, also, contained four bor- 
oughs: — 1. James City elected Captain William Powell and 
Ensign William Spence. 2. Argall's Gift elected Mr Thomas 
Paulett and Mr Edward Gourgaing. 3. Martin's Hundred elected 
Mr John Boys and John Jackson. 4. Captain Lawne's plantation 
elected Captain Christopher Lawne and Ensign Washer. The 
last two buroughs were new plantations recentl}'' settled. 

IV. The corporation of "Kiccowtan" was then only one bur- 
ough, which elected Captain William Tucker and William Capps.*^ 

The General Assembly, made up of the Governors, Council and 

" Brown. First Republ., pp. 313-314. 



112 

Burgesses, met in tlic churcli at James Town on the 30th of July, 
1619, and adjourned 4th. of August, 1619. The first legislative 
assembly ever held within the limits of the United States. This 
first assembly changed the name of Kiccowtan to that of Eliza- 
beth City; after the King's daughter, Elizabeth, the Queen of Bo- 
hemia.^* 

''The first share of land in Virginia, of which there is any record 
'granted from the companie accordinge to the Ivinges letters Pat- 
tents' under the act of this court [Hilary term of the Virginia 
quarter courts, held on February 10, 1616] was issued to Mr 
Simon Codington on March 6-16, 161o-'16, and this was about as 
soon as any shares could have been issued by the company.'" 

"Apl., Nov. 1619. Justice must also be rendered to Sir George 
Somers. Captain Christopher Newport;, and their numerous co- 
laborers in the colony.""" 

"November 27, 1619, the Michaelmas quarter court met. . . . 
The company had formerly granted to Captain Christopher New- 
port a bill of adventure of four hundred pounds, and Sir Edwin 
Sandys [Treasurer, in England] was authorized by this court to 
write to the Governors and Council of State in Virginia to lay 
out some ])art of the same for the benefit of his son and heir, John 
Newport. """ "Cornells Jacobsen May, the Dutch sea-captain, was 
in the Chesapeake Bay in 1620, and probably about this time.""' 

"1620. The Jonathan, of 350 tons. Captain Thompson, which 
left England with 200 persons, including many maids for wives, 
after a tedious passage in which above sixteen died, arrived in 
Virginia in May or June [1620]. j\Irs Christopher Newport, the 
widow of 'Our Captaine,' sent"^ six men by this ship at her own 
charge, to be placed on her lands in Virginia.""* . . . "It cost the 
company about £12. 10s each to transport emigrants on specially 
employed ships; other ships agreed to take emigrants to Virginia 
at £6 each." 

«^ Brown. First Republ., p. 377. «• Brown. First Republ., p. 233. 

"" Brown. First Republ., p. 331. ""■ Brown. First Republ., p. 347, p. 

" Brown. First Republ., p. 375. 

"■'' So she must have been in England. 

^ Brown. First Republ., p. 376. 



113 

"Nov. 1620 to Nov. 1631. Sir George Yeardley, Governor; 
Henry, Earl of Southampton, Treasurer. . . . The Bona Nova, of 
200 tons. Captain John Hudleston, with 120 persons, arrived in 
the winter of 1620-21, probably in January .°''' . . . The sliip also 
brought the commissions of the recently appointed Councillors of 
State in Virginia : George Thorpe, Thomas Newce, John Pountis, 
William Tracy, David Middleton, Mr Blewit of the iron works, 
and Mr Thomas Harwood, the chief of Martin's Hundred. Cap- 
tain Thomas Newce, who came in this ship, was regarded by the 
Council in England as a "choice man." He was sent to take gen- 
eral charge of all 'the Company's land and tenants in Virginia 
whatsover,' and for his entertainment [wages] it was ordered that 
he and such as shall succeed him in that place shall have 1,200 
acres of land set out belonging to that office: 600 at Kiquotan (now 
Elizabeth City), 400 at Charles City, 100 at Henrico, 100 at 
James City, and for the manuring [cultivation] of this land shall 
have forty tenants to be placed thereupon — whereof twenty to be 
sent presently, and the other twenty in the two springs ensuing."^ 
"January 31, 1621. Sir George Yeardley, George Thorpe, Thomas 
Newce, Nathaniel Poole, Samuel Maycock, John Pory, (secre- 
tary), John Eolfe, and John Pountis, wrote to the Earl of South- 
ampton, the Council and Company for Virginia in London, in- 
closing a petition to the King against his Late Proclamation 
against the Importation of Tobacco into England.^' . . . These 
documents were sent to England by the Temperance, which left 
Virginia early in February" [1621].°^ 

. . . "Easter Court, May 12, 1621. Henry, Earl of Southamp- 
ton, Treasurer; Mr John Ferrar, Deputy-Treasurer. The old offi- 
cers were generally re-elected. Mr George Sandys was elected to 
be treasurer in Virginia, and Captain William Newce, marshall. 
Each of them was then elected to the Council in England and to 

"■■Brown. First Republ., p. 409. 

»« Brown. First Republ., pp. 410-411. 

"'King James's (I) "Counterblast against Tobacco" was printed in 
London, in 1604. A Counterblaste to | tobacco | Imprinted at London ] 
by R. B. I Anno., 1604. 

"^ Brown. First Republic, p. 412. 



114 

the Council of State in Virginia, and to each office (treasurer and 
marshal in Virginia) was allotted 1500 acres of land and 50 
tenants.'""" . . . "The court of July 20, [1621] gave Mrs Chris- 
topher Newport, the widow of 'our Captaine,' thirty five shares 
(being the largest number of shares given any one)."^ . . . "Gov- 
ernor-elect Wyatt arrived on the George (180 tons, Mr Wiseman's 
ship, William Ewers, master, with 120 persons), by which ship 
the Council in England sent to Governor Yeardley a letter dated 
August 4, 1621, telling him that 'they had sent Sir Francis Wyatt 
to be the future governor; j\Ir George Sandys to be the Treasurer 
in Virginia [an official that had been asked for l)y the General 
Assembly of August, 1619]; . . . Rev. Mr Bolton for Elizabeth 
City to inhabit with Capt. Tho. Newce.'" . . . "Sir George Yeard- 
ley's term expired November 28, 1621, and Sir Francis Wyatt 
succeeded him on that day. . . . An ordinance and constitution 
of the treasurer, Council and company in England for a Council 
of State and General Assembly, dated August 3, 1621. (The origi- 
nal was of November 28, 1618.) The Council of State inserted 
were: Sir Francis Wyatt, governor; Captain Francis West, Sir 
George Yeardley, Sir William Newce, (marshall of Virginia), 
Mr. George Sandys, (treasurer), Mr George Thorpe (deputy of the 
college), Captain Newce, (deputy for the company), Mr Paulett, 
Mr. Leech, Captain Nathaniel Powell, Mr Christopher Davison 
(the secretary), Dr Potts (the physician to the company in Vir- 
ginia), Mr Roger Smith, Mr John Berkeley, ]\Ir John Rolfe, Mr 
Ralph Hamor, Mr John Pountis, Mr Michael Lapworth, Mr. Har- 
wood, and Mr Samuel Maycock."^ . . . "In November, 1620, the 
company had agreed to pay Mr Daniel Gooldn (Goggin, Cockin, 
Cockayne, etc.) and Mr Thomas Wood 'to transport from Ireland 
to Virginia, after the rate of £11, the heifer of English breed, and 
she goats at £3 10s a piece.' In July, 1621, Mr Gookin desired 
that the words of the agreement might be ^uore clearly explained. 
This the company did; and, according to his request in his letter, 
they agreed that he should have a patent for a particular planta- 

"^ Brown. First Republ., p. 422. ^ Brown. First Republic, p. 426. 
- Brown. First Republ., pp. 453-454. 
* Brown. First Republ., pp. 455-456. 



115 

tion as large as that granted to Sir William Newce, On December 
2, 1621, he landed in Virginia wholy uppon his owne adventure 
'forty young cattle, well and safely, and fifty men, besides some 
thirty other passengers/ According to their desire the Governor 
seated them at Xew Porte Newce,* and he conceived great hope 
that if this Irish plantation prospered that from Ireland great 
multitude of people wilbe like to come hither." . . . "Captain 
Thomas ISTewce [IS^uce], Sir William Xewce, and LIr Daniel 
Gookin came to Virginia from Newce's Town, county Cork, Ire- 
land; but they were natives of England; I suppose, though, that 
some of those brought over by them were Irish. The Newce 
brothers proposed bringing over great numbers and forming a 
settlement. They had located in the corporation of Elizabeth City, 
evidently at a place called by them "ISTew Porte Newce," where 
Gookin joined them, and kept up the plantation after they died. 
[Note by Brown. 'I have always found this name spelled "New 
porte" in original documents; but in prints and copies it is some- 
times given as "Newport's; the last name, however, is spelled 
"Newce," "Newse," "Nuce," etc. See The Genesis of the United 
States, p. 956]. Gooking came in the Flying Hart, of which ship 
Cornelius Johnson, a Dutchman of Home, in Plolland, was master. 
The ship was probably the Flying Horse, of Flushing, which was 
in Virginia in 1615.^ . . . The Seaflower (140 tons, with 120 per- 
sons, including Captain Ealph Hamor, Eev. William Bennet, some 
of Mr George Harrison's servants, etc.) arrived in February 
[1622]. The company had formerly bestowed 32 shares of land 
in Virginia upon Captain Christopher Newport in reward of his 
services; the Virginia court of July 20, 1621, gave his widown 
three shares [300 acres] for having previousl}^ sent six men to 
Virginia, at her own charge, and ordered Sir Francis Wyatt and 
the Council to set out the land, and Captain Hamor was now to 
see this done according to Mrs Newport's desire."" 

". . . After the Massacre, March 22, 1622, many of the settle- 
ments were abandoned; but it was determined to hold James City, 

* So it seems the place was already named, before December 2, 1621. 

^ Brown. First Republ., pp. 458-459. 
" Brown. First Republic, pp. 463-464. 



116 

Paspaheigh, the various plantations over the river opposite James 
City, Kecoughtan, New Port iSTewcc, Southampton Hundred, 
Flowerdieu Hundred, Sherley Hundred, and the plantation of Mr 
Samuel Jourdan. All others were to be abandoned, and the re- 
maining cattle, as far as possible, to be gathered together on 
Jamestown Island, as the most secure place for them.''' 

. . .' "The Seafiower was despatched to England, about May 
22, [1022] Avith letters from the governor and Council, Mr George 
Sandys, Mr George Harrison, and others, telling of the great 
massacre. Mr Daniel Gookin and others went over at the same 
time [May 22, 1622] to give in person the unwelcome news.'" 
Gookin was present at the meeting of the Virginia Court in Lon- 
don, on the 19 of June, 1622." . . . "On July 15, [? 1622] it was 
agreed by the Xew Engjand company that Mr Gookyn shall be 
admitted in ye new Grants upon payment of his Adventure." The 
massacre in Virginia may have turned him towards Xew Eng- 
land.'" 

Mr George Sandys sent a private letter, written a few days 
later than Mr George Harrison's of February 3, [1622] to Mr 
Ferrar, by the Hopewell; the following extracts: Ho tells of the 
arrival of Sir William Newce, in October, 1621, of his early 
death, and of the disposition of his. few surviving servants, to Cap- 
tain Wilcocks, Captain Eoger Smyth, Captain "William Tucker, 
Captain Crashaw, etc. ... "I am a little afraid there be little 
tobacco left which the magazine hath not received."'^ . . . "The 
governor and Council's letter of April 13, [1622], to the treasurer 
and Council in England, tell of the death of Captain William 
Newce (x4.pril 11, [1622]). . . . The Margaret and John, accounted 
a lost ship, after a long and tedious passage, arrived about April 
14, [1623]. "A day or so after, Mr Gookin's ship, the Providence, 
with John Clarke as pilot, arrived at New Port Newce with forty 
men for him and thirty passengers besides. Which ship had also 

' Brown. First Republ., p. 470. •* Brown. First Republ., p. 471. 

"Records of the Virginia Company. 2 Vols. Washington, D. C, 1906, 
Vol. II, p. 39. 

"> Brown. First Republic, pp. 482-483. 
" Brown. First Republic, p. 504. 



117 

been long out and suffered extremely in lier passage." "Of all 
Mr. Gookin's men which he sent out the last year we found but 
seven — the rest being all killed by the Indians, and his plantation 
ready to fall to decay.'"' 'Let the profits of the tenants belonging 
to Capt. Thomas Xuee's place be given to his virtuous widow this 
year.' "Given in a great and General Court held for Virginia 
August 16, 1G23, and ordered to be sent in the name of the Com- 
pany to the Governor and Council of State in Virginia.'"" . . . 
"IV. The Corporation of Elizabeth City. Private Lands Patents 
prior to 1621 (on the north side of the river) : Daniel Gookin 
and others at Xew Port jSTewce" 1300 acres planted." "Patents 
for land. Sealed between July, 1622, and May, 1623. no 68. (in 
the order of sealing) John (son of Captain Christopher) New- 
port.^" 

"On the next day, [June 18, 1610] Captain Edward Brewster 
(of Lord De la Warr's military company, which had served Mau- 
rice of Xassau, and, it may be, "William the Silent) met the de- 
parting colonists at Mulberry Island with orders from the lord- 
governor, who had so providentially arrived, for Sir Thomas Gates 
'to bear up the helm and return to Jamestown, where all his men 
landed that night'; but Gates himself, in a boat, proceeded down- 
ward to meet his lordship, who making all speed up, arrived at 
Jamestown on Sunday, June 26, 1610.* . . . Gates and ISTewport 
sailed from Virginia on July 25, 1610, and arrived in England 
in September following, bringing the news of the discovery of the 
Bermudas.* 

^- Brown. First Republ., pp. 511-512. 
" Brown. First Republ., p. 563. 

" That is the way Brown always spells Newport's News. 
" Brown. First Republic, p. 624. 
^» Brown. First Republ., p. 630. 

* Alexander Brown. English Politics in Early Virginia History. Bos- 
ton, 1901, pp. 20-21. 



118 



XX. HUGH BLAIR GRIGSBY TO CHARLES DEANE. 
APRIL 4, 1867. 

Xame written and printed 'Newport's News'; so written in the 
first part of the letter [p. 1]. "Let me observe that, from the 
origin of the name to the present day, it has ever been pronounced 
ISTewport-Nuse, as if the word 'ISTews' was spelt Nuse, the hard 
sound of the "s" being always distinguishable." There was in the 
adjoining State of North Carolina a river called ISTeuse, and as 
our early associations with that State had been intimate, it was 
thought that there may have been some relation between Newport 
and that river, which, in the lapse of years, had been forgotten; 
and accordingly the name of our veteran admiral Newport and 
the name of the fair water-nymph of Carolina were joined together 
for a term of years in a most affectionate union.^* About this time 
some curious persons, who visited the spot, observed a curve in 
the shore; and connecting the curve with the image of a noose, 
such as a Mexican flings over the horns of wild cattle, thought 
that they had discovered the origin of the name. Indeed, as late 
as 1864, an eminent writer of the American Antiquarian Society 
says, "that an antiquarian friend told him that he was passing 
Newport's News thirty years ago on a steamer, and the old pilot 
told him that they called it Newport's Noose, and pointed to the 
cove at the northwest point of land as the noose"; the very noose 
that gave name to the place." 

" The u in Nuse being sounded ew, and never oo. 

"Foot-note: "At the great massacre in 1622, which happened a few 
months after the naming of Newport's News, some of the Virginia 
colonists took refuge in North Carolina." P. 2. Campbell. History of 
Virginia: "November, 1621, Gookin settled at 'Mary's Mount,' above 
Newport's News." P. 164. 

^'^ The Mexican would have used reata, and not noose. Reata is not a 
Spanish word; it is made up of re — again and atar — to tie: and means 
the rope used to tie horses or mules, the head of one to the tail of 
another, so that they may follow in line. Popular etymology is a 
favourite employment; as most people would rather give a wrong solu- 
tion than to admit ignorance on any matter. 



119 

". . . The story runs, that on the memorable occasion, when 
the starving colonists, reduced to a mere handful! of men, had 
in their four small vessels departed from Jamestown for good and 
all, they met the ships of Captain Newport, filled with fresh emi- 
grants and stores of provisions, off this very point of jSTewport's 
News, and joyfully returned with their deliverers to the deserted 
city. The misfortune of this narrative is that there is hardly a 
word of truth in it. It is, indeed, true that in 1610 the colonists 
did leave Jamestovvn; but instead of reaching Newport's News 
they had gone only as far as Mulberry Island, in the James, a long 
distance^" from the place in question ; and instead of meeting Cap- 
tain Newport, in command of the relieving fleet, they met a long- 
boat from the fleet, which was commanded by Sir Thomas West, 
Lord Delaware, and forthwith returned to Jamestown. Now 
Newport was really present on this occasion, . . . which, by the 
way, happened eleven years before New^port's News was named; 
but was one of the starving colonists himself, and returned with 
his fellow-sufferers to the settlement."' [pp. 3-4.] Let us trace the 
name in our histories and on the map. I would observe that the 
spelling of common, and more especially proper, names was, in 
the beginning of the seventeenth century, unsettled and arbitrary; 
and that our hero. Captain John Smith, seems to have spelt the 
names of men by the ear, and without any regard to their 
orthography. Thus Smith, as last [Plate] as 1621, spells the 
name of Newport, whom he had known so long and well, Nuport; 
and he spell the name of the same person differently at different 
times. The first mention of the name of Newport's News is in 
Smith's General History, first published in 1624, where it is 
printed Nuport's Newes." It is mentioned by Beverley and Stith, 

-" Some twelve or fifteen miles. 

^^ They met the boat coming from towards Newport's News Point, 
called on Smith's map of 1G08 Poynt Hope. 

=* Note by Mr. Deane: "Newport News" is mentioned in a letter from 
Virginia, under date of Feb., 1622-'23. Another letter of April 8th, of 
that year; the same which speaks of the death of Captain [Thomas] 
'Nuse,' referred in a note futher on; is dated from Newport News." 
(Sainsbury's Calendar of Colonial Papers, pp. 41-43. Cal. Col. Papers 
says: "Captain Nuse lately dead, an account will be taken of the state 
of his affairs. P. 41. Captain [Thomas] Nuce died very poor. . . . 
allowance to Captain Nuce's widow and child." 



120 

and in every instance the final word is spelt Xews; but no expia- 
tion, which tlie writer ought to have given if he could,"^ and would 
have given, and which, if the Avord had been designed to com- 
memorate some remarkable incident in our history, would have 
been reported, is given by Smith and Stith. Beverley, whose his- 
tory of Virginia appeared in 1705, alone alludes to its origin'* and 
says, 'It was in October, 1G21, that Sir Francis Wyat arrived gov- 
ernor; and in November, Captain Newport arrived with fifty men 
imported at liis own charge, besides passengers, and made a plan- 
tation on Newport's News, naming it after Ij'mseJf.'^^ Here, then, 
the important fact is stated that Newport named the place after 
himself, that is, that is he gave it his own name; but the historian 
is silent about "News," which is certainly not a part of Nuport's 
name; and which, if spelt correctly, Avas manifestly designed to 
commemorate something/* [p. 5.] On the map of Virginia, pub- 
lished in the middle of the eighteenth century, by Professor Fry 
and Mr [Peter] Jefferson, the father of the President, the word 
is spelt News. . . . George Sandys appointed treasurer; and he 
is to put in execution all orders of court about staple commodi- 
ties; to whom is allotted fifteen hundred acres and fifty tenants; 
to the Marshal Sir William Newce the same ... As marshal of 
the Colony, he was bound to live at or near Newport's News; and 
as we know that he lived in Elizabeth City, the county in which 
the point is situated, it is probable that he located his fifteen hun- 
dred acres at or near that place" 

^ He might not have thought it necessary. 

^'Beverley; Stith; Keith and Oldmixcn refer to it. 

"' Beverley's History of Virginia. Richmond, 1855, p. 38. 

-" But it was not spelt Newce, Nuce, or Nuse. 

"Note by Mr. Deane: — "Sir William Neuce," and "Captain Thomas 
Neuce," are both named in 'An Ordinance . . . for a Council of State 
and General Assembly' for Virginia, July 24, 1621. (Stith, App., p. 32.) 
Sir William was made "Knight-Martial of Virginia" by the King, and 
came over in 1621; "but died," says Stith (p. 189) "two days after the 
reading of his Patent and Commission." Captain Thomas Neuce (or 
Newce, for Stith spells the name both ways), who was "Deputy and 
Superintendent of the Company's Lands, probably came over at the 
same time. He resided at Elizabeth City, and was regarded as a person 



121 

". . . Beverley, who, though he did not liunself live with the 
contemporaries of Newport, had lived with some of those who had 
lived with those who knew him/' and has deliberately recorded the 
arrival of Newport, with his fifty men and passengers in 1621, his 
settlement at Newporf s News, and his naming the place after him- 
self, has fallen into some mistake ; that Newport never visited the 
Colony after his departure in 1611;"' and that the person who 

of the highest character for efficiency and benevolence. (Ibid., p. 236). 
In a letter from Virginia, dated April 3, 1623, he is said to be "lately 
dead"; and another letter, five days later, mentions that "Capt. Nuce 
died poor," and speaks of an "allowance" to his "widow and child." 
She was a woman highly commended for her "virtue and desert." 

Note by Mr. Deane: 'Sainsbury's Calendar of Colonial Papers, pp. 
41-43. Stith. History of Virginia, p. 237.' 

Was not the Marshal bound to live at James Town, the seat of gov- 
ernment, rather than at Newport's News? Elizabeth City was the name 
given to the Indian town, Kicotan, in honour of Queen Elizabeth of 
Bohemia, daughter of .lames I. 

"^ 'Note by Mr. Deane, p. 11: Beverley was probably born between 
1650 and 1660, say thirty-five yearg after the reported arrival of New- 
port [this was .Tohn Newport]' in 1621, and the naming of the settle- 
ment. He tells us his "first business in the world was among the 
records of his country," doubtless in his father's office, who was long 
the clerk of the House of Burgesses, and in the office of his brother 
Peter, who was also the clerk of the House, and finally the speaker; 
and his opportunities for knowing the manners, customs, and traditions 
of the Colony were most favourable. He died in 1716. 

-"Note by Mr. Deane, p. 12: John Chamberlain, Esq., writing from 
London to Sir Dudley Carlton, Dec. 18, 1611, says: 'Nevv^port, the Ad- 
miral of Virginia, is newly come home, and brings word of the arrival 
there of Sir Thomas Gates, and his company, but his lady died by the 
way in some part of the West Indies. He (that is Gates) hath sent his 
daughters back again, which I doubt not is a piece of prognostication 
that himself means not to tarry long. This is the latest authentic notice 
we remember to have seen of Captain Newport in connection with the 
Colony of Virginia. He subsequently entered into another service — that 
of the East India Company. In a letter from the Rev. Thomas Lorkin 
to Sir Thomas Puckering, Bart., dated London, July 21, 1614, the 
writer says: 'Captain Newport, who undertook the conduct of Sir Rob- 
ert Shirley into Persia, hath, under 'one and the self same labour, made 
the voyage of the East Indies, and is here within these three or four 



122 

really did come over with the fifty men and passengers in 1621, 
the very month of the arrival of Sir William ISTewce, was none 
other than the famous Daniel Gookin himself, who did settle at 
that time, as we know that he did, at or near Newport's Xews,*° 
and we readily see how the place might have received its name." 
[P. 11, 12.] 

Xote by Mr. Deane: — ". . . Newport and Captain Smith were 
hostile to each other; and Smith, in an official letter, treats New- 
port with great harshness. He writes: "The souldiers say many 
of your officers maintain their families out of that you sent us; 
and that Newport hath a hundred pounds a year for carrying 
newes (Smith, I, 202) ; that is, for making trouble between the 
settlers and the London Company. Newport could not [have] 
perpetuated, ten or twelve years after the date of the letter, and 
after Smith had left the Colon}^, an odious character of himself, 
drawn Ijy an opponent; and the magnanimity of Smith forbids 
the suspicion that he substituted the word Newes for Newce, in 
the spirit of hostility to an old enemy." Pp. 14, 15. 

In Proceedings of the Massachusetts Historical Society. May, 
1867. 

"Newport News, so called after Captain Christopher Newport, 
the commodore of the little fleet of three vessels, of the aggregate 
burden of one hundred and sixty tons, which brought over the 
adventurers, and '^returned to England with newes' 'the 15 of June, 
1607, is the sister promontory to Jamestown.' " Harper's Maga- 
zine, May, 1857, p. 749. 

days safely arrived, having brought a rich lading home with him, 
though the chief commodity be pepper.' ("The Court and Times of 
James the First," London, 1S49, Vol. I, pp. 154, 338). The journal of 
this voyage of Newport may be seen in Purchas, I, 488. It is interest- 
ing to connect the name of the old Virginia Admiral with that of the 
celebrated Robert Shirley, or Sherley, whose history, with that of his 
two brothers, savors more of romance than of reality. (See Baker's 
Chronicle, London, 1670, p. 435. Retrospective Review, Vol. II, p. 351." 

^ Gookin settled at "Mary's Mount," five or six miles above Newport's 
News, on the north bank of James River, between Watts's creek and 
Newport's News Point. Campbell. Hist, of Virginia, p. 164. 



123 



XXI. VIRGINIA HISTORICAL MAGAZINE. 

"Abstract of Virginia land patents. Maurice Thompson/^ of 
Elizabeth City, gentleman; who has remained in the colony four 
years, 150 aereas midway between 'Newport's News,"' and Blunt 
Point. 1624." 

Kiccouglitan, in the Corporation of Elizabeth City: "Edward 
Waters, of p]lizabcth City, Gent. ; 100 acres near Blunt Point on 
Waters Creek." . . . John Powell was a memlier of the House of 
Burgesses in September, 1632, for the district 'from Waters' Creeke** 
to Marie's Mount.' '"* 

"Chaplain's Choice" vras named after Isaac Chaplin; not ckap- 
lain. 

"Major Robert Beverley came to Virginia about 1663, Clerk of 
the House of Burgesses in 1670. Died about March 16, 1687. 
His sons were Peter, Robert, Harry, John, William, Thomas."^ . . . 
"Jordon's Journey, now Jordon's Point, was the residence of Sam- 
uel Jordan." "Causey's Care," now known as Cawson's, was the 
residence of Nathaniel Causey, who came in 1609.^' 

"Robert Beverley, the second son of Major Robert Beverley, the 
Clerk of the House of Burgesses, was clerk of King and Queen 
county in 1699-1702 ; member of the House of Burgesses for James- 
town 1699, 1700, 1702, 1706, &c.; presiding justice of King and 
Queen in 1718. Clerk of the Council in 1697, &c., he accompanied 

^ This may have been the land allotted to William Newce, and given 
after his death in 1623 to Thompson. 

^ It is uncertain whether this place was so called in memory of some 
particular occasion when news was received from Captain Christopher 
Newport, or whether merely in accordance with the fashion of allitera- 
tive names then in vogue, of which Jordan's Journey, Chaplin's Choice, 
and Pace's Paines are examples. Virginia Historical Magazine, Vol. 
vi, pp. 188-190. 

^^ "Water's Creeke" is now called Watts's Creek. The names change 
from Walters. Watts, Waters. Bray B. Walters used to keep the "City 
Hotel" in Norfolk; he was always called Waters. 

^ Virg. Hist. Mag., Vol. V, p. 92. 

»• Virg. Hist. Mag., Vol. II, pp. 405-413. 

*^Virg. Hist. Mag., Vol. II, p. 419. 



124 

Governor Spotswood to the mountains, | ITIUJ and was therefore 
one of the Knights of the Horseshoe. During a visit to London in 
1703, the writing of a history of Virginia was suggested to him, 
and the first edition of his "History of tlie Present State of Vir- 
ginia" was published in London in 1705, and a second in 1733."*' 
An edition in French was published in Amsterdam in 1707. "Jos- 
eph Stratton, 500 acres at a place commonly called Nutmeg Quar- 
ter in the County of Denbigh, bounded on the south west by a 
piece of land that did belong to Captain Jolin Smith, and now in 
the tenure of Percivall Champion and John Slaughter and on the 
north west by the land of John Layton, said land being a dividend 
formerly belonging to Sir Francis Wyat, and now due to said Strat- 
ton by sale from Captain William Pierce, the attorney of Sir 
Francis Wyatt. By West July Sth, 1G35."" Joseph Stratton was 
Burgess for Nutmeg Quarter lG39-'30, and for "from W^aters' 
Creek to Marie's Mount," 1G33. "Sir Francis Wyatt was Governor 
of Virginia from November, 1631, to August 36, 1625; he was 
again Governor from November, 1639, till February, 161:1." "At 
a Court at James Citty, the 13th day of January, 1636, . . . "Gather 
the woemcn & children and unserviceable People and all their 
cattle to gether & by their best means to repairs to Mathewes ^lan- 
nor,*" where they shall receive further order. ... It is also thought 
fitt y't ye Comander uppon any suspect as aforesaid of a forreine 
enemy, doe cause all the boats and Shalops to be filled w'th such 
provisions as ye people have & to send them pr'sently up to New- 
ports Newes, where they may be ready uppon order given to run 
up to Matthewes Mannor, there to be disposed and ordered for their 
Safetye."" . . . "Shareholders in London Company. July 10, 
1621. Mrs Newport. 35 shares."-^ 

"Daniel Gookin of Cargoline, Cork, Ireland, commenced a plan- 
tation in Virginia in 1631. ... Of Eipple Court, Kent, and with 

'« Virg. Hist. Mag., Vol. Ill, p. 170. 
^Virg. Hist. Mag., Vol. Ill, p. 177. 
■"' ? At Blunt Point. 
"Virg. Hist. Mag., Vol. IV, p. 26. 

"^Virg. Hist. Mag., Vol. IV, p. 30G. Colonial Papers, British Public 
Record Office, Vol. 2, No. 33. 



125 

his brother Sir Vincent Gookin settled in Ireland. He came to 
Virginia in Xov. 1623, with fifty men, well provided, and settled 
at a place called Mary's Mount, near Newport News."*' "George 
Sandys to John Ferrar, 1623, April 8, From Newports ISTewes. . . . 
Has sent a Copy of his letter by the Hopewell in reference to his 
debts."" Sale of Sir William Nuce's tobacco." *' 

". . . Annexed to a list of Shareholders in Va. Comp., M'ch. 
1616 to June, 1623. List of Seventy-two Patents granted to as 
many persons, all having partners whose names and shares "we do 
not know." ... 16 Sr W'm Newce. ... 68 Christo Newport.^^ 

"Origin of the Name of Newport News. The Chairman next 
introduced President Lyon G. Tyler, of AVilliam and Mary College, 
who read a valuable and interesting paper on the origin of the 
name Newport News. He gave a carefiil study of the matter and 
produced strong evidence to prove that Captain Christopher New- 
port had nothing to do with the name, but that it was originally 
New Port Nuce, the latter name being derived from Sir William 
and Captain Thomas Nuce, who were prominent settlers of the 
vicinity."*' 

^^Virg. Hist. Mag., Vol. VI, p. 240. 
** ? Sir William Newce's. 
^Virg. Hist. Mag., Vol. VI, p. 241. 
^"Virg. Hist. Mag., Vol. VI, p. 372. 

"' Virg. Hist. Mag., Vol. VIII, p. xi. William and Mary College Quar- 
terly, Vol. IX, No. 4, pp. 233-237. 



126 



XXII. WILLIAM AND MARY QUARTERLY MAGAZINE. 

"[Among the Liidwell MSS. (Virginia Historical Society) is the 
following, endorsed 'Mr. Claybourne's Eeturn of Lands laid out 
1625. No. 2. Claiborne's Eeturn of Public Lands that were after- 
wards Patented.' " Editor.] 

"The Corporation of Henrico. On the Xortherly side of James 
river from the failes (?) Town to Henrico containing 10 miles in 
Length are the Public Lands reserved and Laid out, whereof 16,000 
Acres for the University I^ands, 3000 acres for the Company's 
lands, with other lands belonging to the Colledge, to comon lands 
for the Corporation fifteen hundred acres. 

The Corporation of Charles City. Laid out for the company 
below Sherley Hundred Island 3000 acres. 

The Territory of Great Weyonoke. Upon the Eastwardly Side 
of Chepokes Creek is appointed 500 acres belonging to the Treas- 
urer. 

By order of Court. 

John Martin 100 "j 

Copie. George Harrison 200 > By Pattents. 

Sam'll Each 100 J 

On the Northerly side is the Land belonging to Southampton 
Hundred containing 100,000 acres*' extending from Tanks Weyo- 
noke down to the mouth of Chickohominy river. 

The Corporation of James Citty. Adjoining the mouth of 
Chickahominy river there are 3000 acres Land Laid out for the 
Company 3000 Laid out for the place of the Governor planted in 
which are Some Small Parcells granted by Sr Thomas Dale & 
Sr Sam'll Argall planted — 

Acres 

Mr Eich'd Buche, 750 ] 

The Gleab Land, 100 | ^y Pattent. 

*^ Charles City County now contains 94,G99 acres in all. Auditor's 
Report, 1899. Table 28. 



127 

In the Island of James City are many parcells of Land granted 
by pattents and by order of Court. 

The Corporation of Elizabeth City. On the Eastwardly side of 
Southampton river there are three thousand acres belonging to the 
Company, at Elizabeth City Planted, and 1500 acres comon Land. 

This Extract of all titles and Estates of Land was sent home by 
Sr Francis Wyatt (when he returned for England) unto the Lords 
of his Maj'ties privy Council according with their order in their 
Letter dated at Salisbury. 

W'm. Claibourne. 
1625. 

A True Copy extracted from other things of this kind being on 
record. 

Test: Drury Stith, Jun'r. 

Mem. : There are severall more parcels of Land by pattent to 
private persons in each corporation in ye originall, but the design 
of this copy being only to shew ye lands reserved for publick uses 
which are since all parcelled out and granted by pattents as other 
lands [except ye Gov'rs lands] they are omitted here.""" 

"In 1624 John Powell,™ of Newport's Kews, yeoman, "^an antient 
planter,' received a patent for 150 acres. In September, 1632, he 
was a burgess for the district from 'Water's Creek to Marie's 
Mount.''' 

"Newports ISTews. There is a grant dated April 20, 1GS5, to Hon. 
William Cole, Esq. [Secretary of the Colony of Virginia], for 
1,431 acres, of which 1,217 was situated in Warwick county, and 
216, the remainder, in Elizabeth City county, commonly called 
ISTewports News, 'according to the most ancient and lawful bounds, 
thereof, being all that can be found upon an exact survey of 2,500 
acres, formerly granted to Daniel Gookin, Esq., except 250 acres, 
formerly conveyed and made over to the said Gookin.' And the 
said Daniel Gookin conve3^ed the aforesaid 1,431 acres to John 
Chandler, who sold the same to Captain Benedict Stafford, from 



*»W. & M. Quart. Mag., Vol. Ill, pp. 201-202. 

=° There are Powells still there. °^W. & M. Quart, Vol. VI, p. 130. 



128 

whom the said land was found to escheat by a jury April 3, 1684, 
and is since granted to Col. William Cole and Capt. Koger Jones, 
but now belongs to Col. William Cole, to whom Jones made over 
his part. About 1790 Newport's News was owned by Col. William 
Diggs, who was a descendant from Colonel Cole's daughter, Su- 
sannah, who married Dudley Digges. Newport's News is now by 
legislative act wholly in Warwick County.'"' 

["There are two kinds of facts; facts of direct knowledge and 
facts of inference." L. G. Tyler, AY. & M. Quart., Vol. VII, p. 
64.] 

"John Smith of Warwicksquicke, planter, 150 acres on the south- 
ward shore, over against Marie's Mound, near the mouth of Nanse- 
mond Eiver, and abutting to the eastward upon Cedar Island. 
Granted Aug. 26, 1636."'^ 

"Newport News. One account attributes the name to Sir Wil- 
liam Newce, and the other to Capt. Christopher Newport, the ad- 
miral of the little fleet which brought the first settlers to James- 
i'own. . . . Sir William Newce was an English soldier of large 
means.^ He served in Ireland at the siege of Kinsalc. . . . He was 
the first mayor of Banton in County Cork, and was the founder 
of Newce's Town, a port and suburb of Bandon, on the Bandon 
Eiver."^ In April, 1621, he offered to transport a thousand 
imigrants to Virginia, and his offer was accepted by the London 
Company, who, on May 2, 1621, chose him marshal of A^irginia, 
and on June 13, 1621, added him to the Virginia Council. He 
went over to Virginia with Sir Francis Wyatt, reaching there on 
October, 1621." 

"1621. He was granted 2,500 acres of land, but died two days 

"^'W. & M. Quart., Vol. VI, p. 257. 

^ W. & M. Quart., Vol. VII, p. 228. 

^ He seems to have been an early example of Irish "promoter." 

"= "Bandon, or Bandon bridge, an inland town and parliamentary bor- 
ough of Ireland, in the county of Cork, and twenty miles by rail from 
the county town, is situated on both sides of the River Bandon, which 
is here crossed by a bridge of six arches. Encyclop. Brit., New York, 
1878, Vol. Ill, p. 311. 



129 

after his patent was read in council and before it could have been 
located."" 

"He was preceded to Virginia by his brother, Captain Thomas 
Newce, who in May IT, 1620, was, by the London Company, made 
Superintendent of the Company's lands and tenants, and given 
*600 acres at Kequotan, now called Elizabeth Cittie, 400 acres at 
Charles Cittie, 100 acres at Henrico, 100 acres at James Cittie/ 
He arrived in the winter of 1621, and was made a member of the 
council the following July. He died about the 1st of April, 1623, 
leaving a widow and child in Virginia. . . . On July 2, 1621, the 
company, at Daniel Gookin's request, granted him a particular 
patent, 'as large as that granted to Sir William ISFewce.' The Gov- 
ernor and council under date of January, 1622, thus noticed 
Gookin's arrival in Virginia : 'There arrived here about the 22d 
of November a shipp from^' Mr Gookin out of Ireland wholly upon 
his own adventure, without any relation at all to his contract with 
you in England, which was so well furnished with all sorts of pro- 
visions, as well as with cattle, as wee could wyshe all men would 
follow their example ; hee hath also brought with him about fifty 
men upon that adventure, besides some 30 passengers. We have 
according to their desire seated them at Newport's News,"'^' and we 
doe conceive great hope, yff the Irish Plantation prospers, y't 
from Ireland great multitudes of People will like to come hither." 

"In the General History of Virginia, edited by Capt. John Smith, 
occurs this reference : 'Nov. 22, 1621, arrived Master Gookin out of 
Ireland, with fifty men of his own, and thirty passengers exceedingly 
well furnished with all sorts of provisions and cattle, and planted 
himself at Newport-Newes.'"" 

"The census of Virginia, taken 1625, showed that Newport News 
was occupied solely by 'Daniel Gookin's muster.' There is a grant 
dated April 20, 1685, to Hon. William Cole, Esq., secretary of the 

^ How could the place be named after Newce before his land was 
located? and it was not located at Newport's News. 

^"Not with. 

^* So the place had that name, at that time; and the record says they 
settled "above Newport's News." 

^Capt. John Smith. Works, Arber's Edition, p. 235. 



130 

Colony of Virginia, for land partly in "Warwick county and partly 
in Elizabeth City county, 'commonly called Newport's News.' "... 
"The Newces and Gookin, all three in Virginia in November, 1621, 
came from County Cork, Ireland, where there was a Newce's Town, 
Therefore, in the spirit of alliteration which then prevailed, and 
which found expression in such places as Pace's Pains, Jordan's 
Jorney, etc., they called it New Port Newce. Dr. Alexander 
Brown says in his noble and interesting work. The First Eepublic 
in America, "I have always found the name spelled 'New Porte' 
in original documents, but in prints and copies it is sometimes 
spelled Newports; the last name, however, is spelled 'Newce,' 
'Newse,' 'Nuce.'™ 

"Soon after the massacre [March 33, 1633], Governor Wyatt 
and his wife paid Gookin a visit at Newport News, and he [Gookin] 
returned to England in the ship which brought the news of the 
slaughter of more than three hundred of the English. It is prob- 
able that he did not return to Virginia, but carried on his planta- 
tion at Newport News through his son, Daniel Gookin, Jr. . . . 
As to the other theory of the origin of the name, I have never seen 
any contemporary authority for it. The most respectable, and, 
in fact, the only authority, is Pobert Beverley, who, however, wrote 
with anything but exactness, and was separated from the event of 
M^hich he wrote by three-quarters of a century."^ "In his history 
we read : 'It was October, 1631, that Sir Francis Wyatt arrived 
governor, and in November Capt. Newport arrived with fifty, im- 
ported at his own charge, besides passengers, and made a planta- 
tion at Newports News, naming it after himself.' What is to be 
said of this authority when it is learned that prior to September, 
1617, more than four years before his reported settlement at New- 
port News, Capt. Newport had died at Java, thousands of miles 
distant from Newport News.""' "The language used by Beverley 

"" Newse, newes, is the old plural form of newe, and is constantly 
found in Hakluyt, and Purchas's voyages. 

"^ The nineteenth century writers are separated from the event by 
two hundred and seventy-five years. 

"-Captain Christopher Newport died at Java in September, 1617, his 
son John Newport, had thirty-two shares given him by the Virginia 
Company of London, and John must have made the settlement and not 
his dead father, Christopher. 



131 

shows that he mistook Newport for Gookin.*" In almost the same 
words Captain Smith describes Gookin's settlement at Newport 
News. He came in the same month, and brought fifty men besides 
passengers."" 

"There is no evidence that Capt. Newport ever owned land in 
Virginia."'*^ 

"He died, in fact, two years before any allotment of land took 
place. The Virginia Company gave the noble old sea-dog a bill 
of adventure for 400 pounds in consideration of his service, but it 
was not till November, 1619, that his son an heir, John Newport 
asked leave to lay out some part of the same in land. On July 10, 
1621, the company further ordered that Sir Francis Wyatt should 
be entreated to set out for Mrs Newport 33 shares of land hereto- 
fore bestowed upon Capt. Christopher Newport, her late husband, 
deceased, in reward of his service, with the addition of three whole 
shares, for the persons of six men transported in her charge in the 
Jonathan in 1619, in any place not already disposed of, and that 
Captain Hamer should see it done. But it is not believed that 
even these orders were consumated. We have a list in 1626, of all 
lands granted out, and there is no mention of either Mrs Newport 
or her son.™ Their interest in Virginia was probably assigned to 
others. We have lists of all persons living in Virginia in 1624 and 
1625, and neither Mrs Newport nor her son is mentioned among 
them." 

"Authorities: Brown. Genesis of the IJnited States. Brown, 
First Eepublic in America; Neill, London Company; Neill, Vir- 
ginia Vesusta; Neill, Virginia Carolorum; Conway, Abstract of 

*^Gookin settled above Newijort's News, near "Marie's Mount." If 
settled by Gookin, how did it get the name of Newport's News? There 
is no record of New Porte Gookin! 

^ If settled by Gookin, how did it come to be named after Sir "William 
Newce? 

"^The record shows that Mrs. Newport had 32 shares of land given 
her that had been given to Captain Christopher Newport; with an addi- 
tion of three shares for six men transported at her charge. Record of 
the Virginia Co. of London, Vol. I, p. 509. John Newport had land given 
to him also. 

•"Brown says that John Newport had a patent; No. 68. 



132 

the Proceedings of the London Company; Calendar of State Pa- 
pers, Colonial, 1574-1660; Hotten, Lists of Emigrants in Vir- 
ginia; Virginia Land Grants MSS. ; Smith, General History; Rob- 
ert Beverley, History of Virginia." 

From an article by Lyon G. Tyler, in \V. & M. Quarterly, Vol. 
IX, pp. 233-237. 

It is possible that John Newport never was in Virginia, but that 
did not prevent a place being named after him, as there are so 
many cases to show: — Elizabeth City, Smith's Hundred, South- 
ampton Hundred, Henrico, and other places named after people 
who never came to Virginia. There is a county named after every 
royal governour, down to the time of the last royal governor, Dun- 
more; who having made himself so obejctionable that his county 
was changed to Shenandoah. It was named Dunmore in February, 
1772, and changed to Shenandoah in October, 1777. 



133 



XXIII. HENING STATUTES. 

"In Nov. [1621] Daniel Gookin arrived from Ireland with fifty 
settlers under his control and thirty-six passengers, and planted 
himself in Elizabeth City County,"' at Mary's Mount, just above 
Newport News.""' 

In a note it is said that Gookin was a Burgess from Elizabeth 
City. There is no record of that. "Captain Daniel Coogan [Goo- 
kin] was a Burgess from Upper Norfolk, in the Assembly of Janu- 
ary 12, 1641."" This must have been Daniel the younger, as the 
elder Daniel Gookin went to England in 1622^, just after the Mas- 
sacre ; and was in New England in 1644. 

"1634, ' The colony was divided into eight shires : — These Shires 
were James City, Charles City, Elizabeth City, Warwick Eiver, 
AYarrosquoyoke, Charles Elver, and Accomack, which were to be 
governed like the shires in England. The lieutenants to be ap- 
pointed the same as in England ; that is, by the governor. The lieu- 
tenants were called colonels, and were usually members of the 
Council and their functions were magisterial as well as military. 
Original counties in Virginia, formed in 1634, viz. : James City 
Henrico, Charles City, AVarwdck Eiver (changed to Warwick in 
1642-'43),"' Warrosquoyacke (changed to Isle of Wight in 1637), 
Charles Eiver (changed to York in 1642-'43), and Accomack 
(changed to Northampton in 1642-'43), but afterwards resumed 
its original name. Upper Norfolk changed to Nansimum." 

"Warwick County shall be bounded as followeth : from the 
mouth of Keth's creek [now Skiff's creek], vpp along the lower 
side of the head of it, including all the divident of Mr Thomas 
Harwood (provided it prejudice not the antient bounds of James 
Citty county, with Mulberry Island, Stanley Hundred, Warwick 
Eiver, with all the land belonging to the Mills, and so down to 

" There were no counties until 1634. 

•«Nar. & Crit. History of America, Vol. Ill, p. 145. 

•* Colonial Virginia Register, p. 61. 

'"' Hening. Statutes at Large, Vol. I, p. 224. 



134 

Newports Xews with the families of Sko wen's damms and Per- 
simon Ponds.^ 

The four boroughs of Virginia: Henrico; Charles City; James 
City; Kecaughtan. Land to Thomas Nuce, fiOO acres at Kecaugh- 
tan; 400 at Charles City; 100 at Jamestown, 100 at Henrico; 1200 
in all." 

Scawen, Scowen, means the elder-tree. 

" Hening. Statutes, Vol. I, p. 250. The surname Scoioen is found in 
Pepys's Diary, Vol. VIII, p. 23. The names of two persons named 
Scowen are found in the London Post Oflace Directory for 1901. 

" Bruce. Economic History of Virginia, Vol. I, p. 229. 



XXIV. THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE— J. M. D. MEIKLE- 
JOHN— DERIVATION OF PORT. 

Port: — Is from the latin word portiis, and means a harbour; 
a haven ; also a town. The Romans held England from A. D., 43, 
to A. D., 410, nearly four hundred years, and left behind them 
when they were forced to go only six words ; most of which became 
merely the prefixes or suffixes of the names of places. These six 
words were Castra, a camp; Colonia, a settlement (generally of 
soldiers) ; Fossa, a trench; Portus, a harbour; Strata, a paved road; 
and Vallum, a rampart. As place-names there are Poi tsmouth ; Port- 
land; jSTewport; Eastport; Westport; Northport; Southport. The 
word is used in place-names in all the Eomance languages, coming 
from the latin; as, Porto Praya, Portuguese; Port-au-Prince, 
French ; Puerto Bello, Puerto Rico, Spanish ; Porto Vechio, Italian. 
The word was first used as a place-name, then persons took their 
names from places where they lived. There must have been an 
old port, that went before the new port. There is a good example 
in the neighborhood of Newport's News to show how names grow; 
that is. Old Point Comfort. When the expedition to Virginia, 
after their stormy passage, anchored at the mouth of the river they 
found it so pleasant they called it "point Comfort." Later in 
their explorations up the Chesapeake Bay they found a good 
anchorage at the point between Mob Jack Bay and the Chesapeake ; 
that they called new Point Comfort; finally to distinguish the 
two places it became necessary to call the first one old Point Com- 
fort, which name it has at this day. 

It is on the Map dated 1606, page 485, of Captain John Smith's 
Works, edited by Edward Arber, Birmingham, 1884. 



136 



XXV. GRIGSBY— HISTORICAL MAGAZINE, VOL. Ill, 

P. 347, 1859. 

"Newport's ISTews. My attention has been called to the true mode 
of spelling Newport's News. It is Newport-Newce : a union of 
the name of Captain Christopher Newport, the commander of two 
early expeditions to the colony, and of Sir William Newce, the ilar- 
shal of the colony. I give 3^ou an extract from the instructions to 
Gov. Wyat [Sir Francis Wyatt] in 1619 : 'George Sandis (the trans- 
lator of Ovid) is appointed Treasurer, and he is to put into execu- 
tion all orders of court about staple commodities; to the Marshal, 
Sir William Newce, the same. The name is evidently a com- 
pound of the names of the chief commander of the fleet and of the 
marshal of the colony, who, as a knight held a higher social rank 
than any other colonist, just as we say Hampden-Sidney, Randolph- 
Macon. In England there are a hundred such imions in every 
parish. As for the story of news brought from England, or about 
ships having been first seen off that point at a particular time, it 
is wholly without foundation. Moreover, our earliest maps retain 
the proper sound and nearly the true spelling in the word "Neuse," 
it being a very slight corruption of "Newce." As the true signifi- 
caney of the name gradually died away, then came imaginary no- 
tions of what the spelling ought to be, and we had "Noose" and 
"News." H. B. G. Historical Magazine, Vol. Ill, p. 347. 1859. 

"George Yeardley (1579-1627) sailed for Virginia as 'Captain 
of Sir Thomas Gates his company' in June, 1609 ; Avrecked on the 
Bermudas; arrived in Virginia in May, 1610; . . . chosen governor 
of Virginia for three years of the 18th of November, 1618; was 
knighted by the King 26 of November, 1618, sailed for A'irginia 
in January, and arrived April 19, 1619; . . . continued governor 
three years, to Nov. 18, 1621, when he was relieved by Sir Francis 
Wyat. ... on the 14 of March, 1626, Charles I commissioned Sir 
George Yeardley to be governor of Virginia; he entered into that 
of&ce in May, 1626, and continued to serve until his death, in No- 
vember, 1627. He married in Virginia, about 1618, Miss Tern- 



137 

perauce vvlio caiiie to Yirgiuia in tlu' Falcon in 1(509. 

He left a widow, at Jamestown, and three children, one danghter 
and two sons, born in Virginia.'" 

"Brown. Gen. U. S., Vol. II, p. 1065. 



138 



XXVI. MAPS— LETTER FROM COAST SURVEY OFFICE. 

The name "Newport Xews.'" witli various spellings, as given on 
several maps, is as follows : 

160t) Smith's maj). Pernt Hope. 

(Probab)}' a misprint.) 
1608 Same Poynt Hope. 

1655 Nova Virginia} tabula Poynt Hope. 

(Repr. of Smith's map.) 
1670 (pub. 1673) Herman's map of Va. & Md. Newportnews. 

1751 (pub. 1755) Fry & Jefferson's map of Ya. Newports news. 
1761 English pilot, pt. 4. Newportnes. 

1777 North American pilot, pt. 2. Newport Newse. 

1794 English pilot, pt. 4. Newports News. 

1826 Boyes's map of Ya. Newport News. 



139 



XVII, REMARKS. 



As these extracts are taken from many sources there are repeti- 
tions of the same incidents, but not always in the same words. 
That serves to make the matters clearer as they are described by 
several persons, and from different points of view. 

On account of the number of writers, many of whom were never 
in the places they describe, but have taken their descriptions from 
the stories of others, or their written sketches, there is confusion 
of names of persons and places. There is also confusion of dates 
for the same reasons; and in addition some of the more modern 
writers have not a clear idea of the old-style and the new-style; 
and do not seem to know that the new-style was adopted in Eng- 
land, and necessarily in the Colonies, in 1752, when the year begins 
the first of January, instead of the 25 of March as in the old-style. 
And the efforts made by writers to be very exact lead to a mixing 
of dates. 

Spelling of words differ in the same line, as there was not a 

settled spelling; everybody spelled to suit himself, and according 

to what the sound seemed to him. There is the same uncertainty 

about the names of persons and places. Sometimes reference is 

made to these discrepencies in the notes, but often they are left 

without change. 

B. W. GREEN, 

Warwick County, Virginia. 
October 19, 1907. 



BIBLIOGRAPHY 



Beverley, Robert. The History of Virginia. London, 1722. 

Brown, Alexander. The Genesis of the United States. 2 vols. Boston, 
1890. 

Brown, Alexander. The First Republic in America. Boston, 1898. 

Brown, Alexander. English Politics in Early Virginia History. Boston, 
1901. 

Calendar of State Papers. Colonial Series, Vol. I, 1574-1660. London, 
1860. 

Collections of the Virginia Historical Society. New Series, Vol. VII, Pro- 
ceedings of the Virginia Company of London. Richmond, 1888. 

Campbell, Charles. History of the Colony and Ancient Dominion of Vir- 
ginia. Philadelphia, 1860. 

Dictionary of National Biograpliy. 68 vols., 4 vols, of Index and Supple- 
ment. London, 1885-1901. 

Dinwiddie Papers. Map. Virginia Historical Society. 2 vols. Rich- 
mond, 1883-1884. 

Encyclopaedia Britannica. 9th Edition, 25 vols. 1878. 

Fiske, John. Old Virginia and Her Neighbours. 2 vols., Boston, 1897. 

Goode, John. Recollections of a Lifetime. New York, 1906. 

Grigsby, Hugh Blair. Historical Magazine. Vol. Ill, p 347. 1859. 

Grigsby, Hugh Blair. Letter to Charles Deane, April 14, 1867. In Pro- 
ceedings of the Massachusetts Historical Society. May, 1867. 

Harper's Magazine. May, 1859. 

Hening, William Waller. The Statutes at Large; being a Collection of all 
the Laws of Virginia, from the First Session of the Legislature in 
the Year 1619. 13 vols. Richmond, 1809-1823. 

Hotten, John Camden. The Original Lists of Emigrants from 1600-1700. 
London, 1874. 

Keith, Sir William, Bart. The History of the British Plantations in Amer- 
ica, Part I, Virginia. London, 1738. 

King James I. A Counterblast to Tobacco. Imprinted at London by R, 
B. Anno, 1604. 

Lefroy, Major-General J. H. Memorials of the Bermudas, 2 vols. Lon- 
don, 1877-1879. 

Letter from Coast Survey Office. Washington, D. C. 

Maxwell, William. Virginia Historical Register. 6 vols. Richmond, 
1848-1853. 

Meiklejohn, J. M. D. The English Language. New York, 1887. 



142 

Neill, H. D. "Virginia and Virginiaola. From Transactions of the Amer- 
ican Antiquarian Society. Vol. IV, 1861. 

Neill, Edward D. History of the Virginia Company of London. Albany, 
New York, 1869. 

Neill, Edward D. Virginia Vetusta, During the Reign of James the First. 
Albany, New York, 1885. 

Neill, Edward D. Virginia Carolorum. A. D. 1625-A. D. 1685. Albany, 
New York, 1886. 

Oldmixon, John. The British Empire in America. 2d ed., 2 vols, Lon- 
don, 1741. 

Purchas, Samuel, B. D. Hakluytus Posthumus or Purchas His Pilgrimes. 
20 vols. Glasgow, 1905-1^)07. 

Records of the Virginia Company of London. Edited by Susan Myra 
Kingsbury. 2 vols. Washington, D. C, Government Printing 
Office, 1906. 

Koyal Historical Manuscripts Commission. London, 1874 . 

Skeat, W. W. Place-Names of Hertfordshire. Hertford, 1904. 

Smith, Captain John. Works. Edited by Edward Arber. Birmingham, 
June 10, 1884. 

Stanard, William G. and Mary Newton Stanard. The Colonial Register of 
Virginia. Albany, New York, 1902. 

Stith, William, A. M. The History of the First Discovery and Settlement 
of Virginia. Williamsburg, 1747. 

Strachey, William, Gent. The Historie of Travaile into Virginia Britan- 
nia. Edited by R. H. Major, Esq. London, 1849. 

Virginia Magazine of History and Biography. Richmond, 1893-1907. 

William and Mary College Quarterly Historical Magazine. Lyon G. Tyler. 
Williamsburg, 1892-1907. 

Winsor, Justin. Narrative and Critical History of America. 8 vols. 
Boston, 1889. 



LEhgrm 



How Newport^s News 
Got Its Name 



B. W. GREEN 



